NEWS DESK
Baku, Azerbaijan: Qaiser Nawab, President of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD) and founder of the Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development (GSISD), participated in the closing ceremony of the China Pavilion and a landmark side event on gender equality and climate resilience.
At the China Pavilion, Nawab lauded China’s leadership in climate action, describing its pavilion as a hub of innovation and collaboration. “The vibrant discussions and groundbreaking solutions showcased here are a beacon of hope for a sustainable future,” he stated, commending China’s commitment to fostering international partnerships for climate solutions.
In collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat, Gender Hub Azerbaijan, and other global organizations, Nawab joined the side event titled “Enhancing Women’s Green Skills: Based on the Commonwealth Experience and Beyond” at the Commonwealth Pavilion. The event addressed the intersection of climate change, gender equality, and youth empowerment, emphasizing the urgent need for gender-responsive climate policies and the development of green skills for women and youth.
Drawing on Pakistan’s experiences with the 2022 floods, Nawab underscored the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and vulnerable communities. He highlighted alarming trends such as “Monsoon Brides” and inadequate sanitation facilities in disaster-hit areas, calling for targeted interventions to bridge these gaps.
“Climate change is not just an environmental challenge—it is a humanitarian crisis that exacerbates existing inequalities,” he remarked. “Empowering women and youth with green skills is essential for resilience and sustainable development.”
The discussions emphasized international cooperation, showcasing successful initiatives from Commonwealth nations and reiterating the critical role of women and youth in advancing climate action. The events concluded with a unified call for urgent, gender-sensitive climate interventions and strengthened collaborations between governments, NGOs, and local communities.
“Together, we can achieve a brighter, greener, and more inclusive future,” Nawab affirmed, reflecting the spirit of global solidarity at COP29.