Zunaira Qayyum, a young activist dedicated to climate action and child rights, has been appointed as UNICEF’s Youth Advocate for Climate Action and Girls’ Empowerment.
Her selection was announced at the “Breathe Pakistan Climate Conference,” recognizing her outstanding efforts in raising awareness about climate change and advocating for children’s rights.
Zunaira’s commitment to driving meaningful change has made her a role model for many, and this appointment reflects her impactful work.
“The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time, but when I hear Zunaira and other children in Pakistan speak, I feel hopeful about the future,” said Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF’s Representative in Pakistan.
He emphasized the importance of empowering children and youth with leadership opportunities to contribute to the nation’s progress.
This appointment comes as Pakistan faces increasing climate-related challenges, with children being among the most vulnerable. Extreme weather conditions, such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves, have put millions at risk, while the worsening climate crisis is also disrupting education.
According to a recent UNICEF report, climate-related disasters affected schooling for 26 million children across Pakistan in 2024, with air pollution in Punjab alone impacting the education of 16 million students.
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