ISLAMABAD: UNCEF announced the appointment of 14-year-old Zunaira Qayyum Baloch as its Youth Advocate for Climate Action and Girls’ Empowerment in Pakistan.
Hailing from Hub, Balochistan, Zunaira is a passionate advocate for climate action and child rights. She has represented Pakistan’s youth on national and international platforms, including COP29.
The announcement, made at the Dawn Media Breathe Pakistan Climate Conference, underscores UNICEF’s commitment to encouraging children to raise their voices and take leadership roles in shaping their future.
A Voice for Change
“I am honored to join UNICEF Pakistan as a Youth Advocate to champion children’s rights and well-being. Meaningful change starts with listening to the voices of children and youth and ensuring we can participate in decisions that shape our future,” said Zunaira Qayyum.
Her research on the impact of climate change-induced floods on girls’ secondary education in Hub was among the winners of the UNICEF Policy Research Challenge in 2023. Since then, she has actively pursued advocacy, using UNICEF’s Youth Advocacy Guide to train adolescents in Hub on policy engagement, research, and network building for campaigns.
Climate Change Threatens Pakistan’s Children
Pakistan’s children are increasingly vulnerable to the devastating effects of climate change, including floods, droughts, and extreme heatwaves. The crisis is not only endangering their well-being but also worsening the learning crisis.
A recent UNICEF analysis revealed that climate-induced disasters disrupted schooling for 26 million children in Pakistan last year, with heatwaves affecting Punjab and floods displacing students in Sindh. Additionally, secondary impacts like air pollution forced 16 million children out of classrooms in Punjab in November 2024, as toxic air compromised their health.
A Call to Action
Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF’s representative in Pakistan, praised Zunaira’s dedication, stating:
“The climate crisis is one of the biggest challenges we have ever faced. But when I listen to Zunaira and the children of Pakistan, I find hope and inspiration for the future. We must do more to empower children and young people with opportunities to lead, act, and help this country prosper. We are honored to welcome Zunaira as a UNICEF Youth Advocate as we work to safeguard children’s futures.”
