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Islamabad: UNICEF has appointed 14-year-old Zunaira Qayyum as its Youth Advocate for Climate Action and Girls’ Empowerment in Pakistan. Hailing from Balochistan, Zunaira has emerged as a prominent advocate for climate action and the rights of children, representing the youth of Pakistan on both national and international stages, including at COP 29.
The announcement was made during the Dawn Media Breathe Pakistan Climate Conference, highlighting the significance of youth leadership in tackling pressing global issues. Zunaira’s appointment is intended to motivate young individuals nationwide to participate actively in dialogues concerning child rights and environmental sustainability.
“I am honoured 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 making sure we can participate in decisions that shape our future,” said Zunaira Qayyum.
Zunaira’s research examining the effects of climate change-induced flooding on the secondary education of girls in Hub, Balochistan, was recognised as one of the winners of the UNICEF Policy Research Challenge in 2023.
Since then, Zunaira has ardently engaged in advocacy efforts, utilising UNICEF’s Youth Advocacy Guide to educate adolescents in Hub, Balochistan, on advocacy, policy engagement, research methodologies, and network development for campaign initiatives.
Children in Pakistan are confronted with escalating hazards posed by climate change and adverse meteorological phenomena, including floods, droughts, and heatwaves. Climate change is exacerbating the educational crisis and jeopardising children’s capacity to acquire knowledge.
A recent analysis conducted by UNICEF indicates that climate-related hazards interrupted educational opportunities for 26 million children in Pakistan in 2024, encompassing heatwaves in Punjab and flooding in Sindh. When accounting for the secondary effects of climate change, such as air pollution, it is estimated that 16 million children in Punjab were adversely impacted by the closure of classrooms in November 2024, as their developing airways were exposed to hazardous air quality.
UNICEF Representative, Abdullah Fadil stated, “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. We must do more to empower children and young people with opportunities to lead, act and help this country prosper. We are honoured to welcome Zunaira as a UNICEF Youth Advocate as we work to safeguard children’s futures.”
