Dr Musadik Malik urges youth-led climate action at launch of UK-backed Climate Finance Accelerator
ISLAMABAD (Feb 6, 2026) - Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik underscored the pivotal role of youth in Pakistan’s climate and economic transformation while addressing the launching ceremony of the Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) in Islamabad. The CFA is a UK government–funded technical assistance initiative designed to accelerate the mobilisation of climate finance for projects and businesses aligned with Pakistan’s national climate priorities. Speaking at the event, Dr Malik said Pakistan, as a developing economy, must urgently invest in its young people by creating access and opportunities. “If we empower our youth, they can bring about a revolution for this country and for our economy,” he said. Drawing on international examples, the minister noted that cities such as Beijing and Shanghai were among the world’s most polluted just a decade ago, but China has since emerged as a global leader in renewable energy. “Today, China exports nearly 70 per cent of the world’s solar technology. Pakistani youth do not lack talent or ability; they lack opportunity,” he remarked. He also referred to Finland and other Nordic countries, highlighting their transformative approaches to forest protection and environmental sustainability, saying Pakistan could draw valuable lessons from their experiences. Dr Malik said initiatives like the Climate Finance Accelerator were crucial for providing platforms to young entrepreneurs and innovators. He briefed participants on the Ministry’s Green Fields Programme, which enables youth to pitch climate-focused ideas and connect with national and international investors. “Under Green Fields, we are linking young innovators with investors. We have already facilitated this by taking two Pakistani companies to Seville, Spain, where they presented their ideas to international investors,” he said. Appreciating the support of development partners, the minister thanked DAI for its technical and financial assistance. “We will work shoulder to shoulder with our young people. My vision is to turn this ministry into an accelerator for youth - an incubation space where ideas are nurtured and scaled,” the federal minister added.
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For official communication or media-related inquiries, please contact: Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, Deputy Director (Media and Communication) Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Government of Pakistan at email: dd.media@mocc.gov.pk.
