UNICEF has recently nominated Zunaira Qayyum as its Climate Action and Girls’ Empowerment youth advocate in Pakistan. The announcement for the appointment of the 14-year-old which recognized her dedication to addressing climate change and children’s rights was made at the Dawn Media Breathe Pakistan Climate Conference.
Championing climate action and education through UNICEF
Zunaira being a native of Balochistan herself, has been an active representative of Pakistani youth both at national and international platforms including COP 29. Among the winning projects of the UNICEF Policy Research Challenge in 2023 was her active research work on the impact of climate change-induced floods on girls’ secondary education in Hub.
As an exceptional young woman, Zunaira has adopted a hands-on approach while using UNICEF’s Youth Advocacy Guide to conduct training for the young people in her community. Through the use of campaigns and workshops, she has successfully empowered adolescents with skills in policy engagement, and advocacy as well as making sure their voices are heard and acknowledged in decisions that have effects on their future.
In her remarks, Zunaira emphasized the importance of youth involvement in policymaking.
“Meaningful change starts with listening to the voices of children and youth and making sure we can participate in decisions that shape our future,” she stated.
The toll of climate change on Pakistani children
The children in Pakistan are increasingly becoming vulnerable to climatic disasters. A recent report has recorded that in 2024 alone, 26 million children were forced to stay home from school as a result of climate-induced hazards such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves while in Punjab, 16 million children’s school activities were disrupted as a result of toxic air pollution in November.
According to UNICEF Representative Abdullah Fadil, the impact of climate change on young people is a pressing issue.
“The climate crisis poses 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,” he said.
Functioning as the new UNICEF Youth Advocate, Zunaira has pledged to continue in her mission to empower young children while pushing for stronger policies that will safeguard the rights of the children. Her advocacy is a perfect reminder that young voices are not just important but also very essential for meaningful growth in any society.