Monthly Meeting of Youth Climate Education and Fellowship Programme 2024: The Role of Youth Climate Fellows in Climate Finance & Climate Governance
Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024
Venue: Shaikh Ayaz University Shikarpur

Transparency International Pakistan in collaboration with Shaikh Ayaz University Shikarpur organized first monthly meeting of Youth Climate Education and Fellowship Programme 2024, at Shaikh Ayaz University Shikarpur. The meeting, titled, “The Role of Youth Climate Fellows in Climate Finance & Climate Governance” was attended by youth fellows and university faculty.

Professor Bakhtiar Ahmed delivered opening remarks and said that the role of youth in addressing climate change is more important than ever. He emphasized the need for active youth participation in climate finance and governance, urging the fellows to engage with policy frameworks and solutions that can drive meaningful change.
Following the opening remarks, Mr. Kashif Ali, Executive Director of Transparency International Pakistan, delivered a detailed session on “Understanding Climate Finance and Governance,” shedding light on the mechanisms of climate financing, the role of governance in ensuring equitable distribution, and the need for transparency in climate-related investments.

Mr. Ali also specifically discussed the climate challenges faced by the province of Sindh, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to climate change. He pointed out the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, which disproportionately affect Sindh’s agricultural communities. He emphasized the need for effective climate finance mechanisms that would enable Sindh to better adapt to and mitigate climate impacts. He highlighted the role of governance in ensuring that climate finance reaches the most affected communities, advocating for greater transparency and accountability in how funds are allocated and spent.

A group activity was also conducted focused on understanding climate terminologies and identifying strategies for mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Participants actively engaged in discussions, learning from each other’s experiences and building a collective understanding of climate challenges.

The event also featured a presentation by the youth fellows on “Youth Inclusion in Decision-Making for Urgent Climate Action,” emphasizing the importance of integrating young voices into key policy decisions at both local and global levels.

The meeting concluded with Mr. Saqib Mahar, Registrar, Shaikh Ayaz University, guiding the group in drafting a Youth Action Plan for the upcoming month. He encouraged fellows to take immediate, impactful actions based on the insights gained throughout the session.

The event successfully set the tone for future discussions and initiatives, reinforcing the commitment of youth climate fellows to contribute to urgent climate action and governance.