Islamabad, August 25, 2026: OIC-COMSTECH, in collaboration with SAWiE Ecosystems and CFEER, organised a one-day international roundtable and technical dialogue on “Unlocking Agricultural Carbon Markets: Climate-Smart Solutions for a Resilient Future” at the COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad.
The event brought together researchers, agricultural and climate experts, government officials, academics and representatives of national and international organisations to deliberate on food security, climate-smart farming, low-emission agriculture and opportunities for farmers to access carbon finance.
Welcoming the participants, Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary said climate change was posing a direct threat to agriculture, water resources, livelihoods and food security across the Muslim world.
He noted that seven of the world’s 10 most climate-vulnerable countries were OIC member states, stressing the need for stronger scientific cooperation, practical solutions and wider adoption of climate-resilient technologies.
Dr. Khalid Mahmood, Co-Founder of SAWiE Ecosystems, said climate-smart agriculture could simultaneously help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance agricultural productivity and strengthen food security.
He emphasised the need to connect farmers with modern technologies, reliable climate information, financial resources and emerging opportunities in carbon markets.
Mr. Muhammad Arif Goheer, Executive Director of the Global Climate Change Impact Studies Centre, highlighted the importance of carbon markets as part of Pakistan’s broader climate and economic strategy.
Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ammar of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, UAE, spoke about climate-smart irrigation and its role in promoting sustainable agriculture, while Dr. Fritz Boehmlar, CEO of SAWiE, addressed the gathering through a video message.
A panel discussion on nature-based and climate-smart solutions was moderated by Prof. Abdul Wakeel of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. The panel included Dr. Tassawar Hussain Malik, Mr. Muhammad Kasim Manzoor, Dr. Syed Mahmood Nasir and Dr. Babar Bajwa.
Another panel, focused on unlocking agricultural carbon markets, was moderated by Dr. Khalid Mahmood and featured Ms. Rubab Zahra, Mr. Arif Alauddin, Mr. Hammad Bashir and Dr. Muhammad Abid.
Dr. Ando Mariot Radanielson of the International Rice Research Institute, Philippines, also participated online and shared insights into sustainable rice production and emerging opportunities linked to agricultural carbon markets.
The dialogue concluded with breakout discussions focusing on soil, water, energy and climate finance.
Participants shared recommendations for developing a practical roadmap to promote climate-resilient agriculture, strengthen food security and create opportunities for farmers to benefit from emerging agricultural carbon markets.
The dialogue underscored the growing importance of linking climate-smart agricultural practices with carbon finance, scientific innovation and farmer-focused solutions to build more resilient food systems in Pakistan and across OIC member states.
