Islamabad, February 25, 2026: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Wedn
said that Pakistan ranks among the most climate-affected countries in the world, with unprecedented floods, rising temperatures and increasing water stress severely impacting the economy, agriculture and livelihoods.
He expressed these views while addressing the Cambridge Climate Quest Prize Distribution Ceremony at Roots International Education Network in Islamabad.
Welcoming the initiative, the Chairman Senate congratulated Roots International Education Network for fostering a culture that combines academic excellence with global citizenship. He commended the leadership of CEO Walid Mushtaq, along with faculty and administration, for aligning education with sustainability and equipping students to face global challenges with confidence, awareness and integrity.
Highlighting the importance of the event, Senator Gilani noted that more than 1,000 students had successfully completed the Cambridge Climate Quest Certification. He described the achievement not merely as an academic milestone but as a strong statement of awareness, commitment and youth leadership at a time when climate change has become an urgent and lived reality.
The Chairman Senate extended heartfelt congratulations to the students receiving certificates and expressed hope that their accomplishments would inspire others to adopt informed and responsible leadership in environmental stewardship.
Emphasising the transformative power of education, he said that when students understand climate science, environmental ethics and sustainable practices, they become agents of change within their families, communities and the nation.
He reaffirmed that environmental sustainability remains a key national priority, noting that parliamentary forums continue to deliberate on climate resilience, renewable energy transition, water conservation and responsible development. However, he stressed that policy frameworks alone are insufficient without grassroots awareness driven by educational institutions.
Chairman Senate Gilani also appreciated the symbolic plantation drive held at the start of the ceremony, describing tree plantation as a declaration of hope and a commitment to safeguarding future generations.
In his concluding remarks, he urged students to translate their certification into meaningful daily practices, including conserving resources, reducing waste, promoting sustainable lifestyles and encouraging climate dialogue. He said leadership in the 21st century would increasingly be defined by environmental responsibility.
Reaffirming that climate responsibility is a shared duty of governments, institutions, communities and individuals, he called for collective awareness, collaboration and sustained action to build a more resilient and sustainable Pakistan.
Secretary Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference Misbah Khar was also present at the ceremony.
