By Rehan Khan
ISLAMABAD, Apr 17 (APP):The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Pakistan on Wednesday launched the
Pakistan Climate Financing Activity, an up to $10 million, four-year endeavor aimed at bolstering sustainability and climate resilience in
Pakistan.
Funded through USAID, this in
itiative underscores the steadfast commitment of the U.S. government to foster responsible stewardship of natural resources and combat the climate crisis. It represents a significant stride towards fulfilling the objectives outlined in the U.S.-
Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework.
The USAID
Pakistan Climate Financing Activity will help facilitate
Pakistan’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. Through targeted technical assistance, the in
itiative aims to mobilize both public and private, domestic and international finance for climate mitigation, resilience, and adaptation efforts.
At the launch event held in the federal capital, notable attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, representatives from the provincial departments of the Government of
Pakistan, as well as representatives from the private sectors, development partners, decision-makers from
Pakistan’s financial sector, and academia.
Addressing the audience on Wednesday, USAID Deputy Mission Director Maura O’Brien emphasized, “The USAID
Pakistan Climate Financing Activity will support innovative projects tailored to
Pakistan’s context, scaling up efforts to build climate resilience. Through evidence-based solutions, this activity aims to advance
Pakistan’s capacity to respond to climate change effectively. I am confident that the
Pakistan Climate Financing Activity will bridge gaps and fulfill existing needs – and ultimately advance
Pakistan’s capacity to respond to climate change effectively.”
Echoing USAID’s sentiments, coordinator to Prime Minister on Climate Change Rumeena Khurshid stated, “The Government of
Pakistan warmly welcomes this in
itiative from the United States, aimed at bolstering our nation’s climate resilience, mitigation, and adaptation efforts. While
Pakistan has made strides in fostering an innovative climate landscape, financial constraints remain a significant impediment. This activity will serve as a catalyst for concerted action, bringing together government, private sector, environmental experts, and development partners to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.”
The USAID
Pakistan Climate Financing Activity aligns with USAID’s global flagship in
itiative to enhance climate investment in vulnerable and emerging markets. By de-risking and catalyzing climate finance equitably, this in
itiative aims to leverage both public and private sector investments to fortify
Pakistan’s capacity for climate resilience and adaptation.
