The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) and UN-Habitat on climate-resilient urban development, including sustainable housing, land management and upgrading of informal settlements.

Ms Ishigaki briefed the minister on UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029, which prioritises housing, land and basic services, with strong integration of climate adaptation and resilience. 

She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in developing strategies to reduce urban flooding, mitigate drought impacts and address other climate-related risks affecting cities.

She also highlighted the importance of Pakistan’s high-level participation in the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF-13), scheduled to be held in Baku from May 17 to 22, 2026. The forum, she noted, would provide a global platform for Pakistan to showcase its urban resilience initiatives and engage with international partners and experts.

Dr Malik shared a comprehensive overview of the country’s urban challenges, including rapid urbanisation, urban heat islands, inadequate drainage and sewerage systems, water contamination, encroachments, housing shortages and weak enforcement of zoning regulations.

He observed that poor urban design and planning lay at the root of many of these issues and stressed that Pakistan required a context-specific and action-oriented National Urban Strategy rather than a generic policy document.

The minister said the government had taken necessary steps to operationalise the ongoing National Urban Strategy project under the Adaptation Fund and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to meaningful reforms in urban planning and climate adaptation.

Secretary MoCC&EC Ms Aisha Humera Moriani, Director General (Environment and Climate Change) Mr. Asif Sahibzada Khan, Deputy Director (Architecture) Mr. Fayaz Memon and Deputy Dirctor (Media and Communication) Mohammad Saleem also attended the meeting.
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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