The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized an event today under the theme of “Pedal for a Green Future.” Pakistan is the proud global host of the “World Environment Day 2021”, which is celebrated on the 5th of June every year.
The cycling event – held in partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Urban Innovation – was part of the series of activities that are being held in that connection.
Led by Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, members of the diplomatic corps and UN agencies based in Islamabad, along with representatives from the Foreign Ministry, cycled from D-chowk Constitution Avenue to the Foreign Office Building.
The aim of the event was to encourage and promote the use of bicycles for the reduction of carbon footprint, noise pollution, and vehicular emission.
Speaking on the occasion, the Foreign Minister noted that this year’s hosting of World Environment Day in Pakistan was an acknowledgement of our strong credentials in combating environmental degradation and climate change. Highlighting that the theme of this year’s Environment Day – “Ecosystem Restoration” – was fully aligned with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s “Green Vision”, the Foreign Minister outlined the significant steps taken by Pakistan in terms of various innovative nature based solutions.
He also underscored Pakistan’s active role in international climate diplomacy through its constructive participation in negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued commitment to playing its due role in countering the climate crisis, protecting biological diversity, and promoting ecosystem restoration.
Both the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and the Minister of State for Climate Change also addressed the participants along with the UNDP’s Resident Representative in Islamabad. Their central message was to make “peace with nature.”
Earlier, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood welcomed the guests and provided an overview of the country’s steady march on the path of “Clean and Green Pakistan” under a well-articulated agenda consisting of a number of flagship initiatives.
The event also featured a musical performance as well as short videos showcasing Pakistan’s rich bio-diversity, flora and fauna, and key initiatives for combating climate change and ecosystem restoration.
