Romina Khurshid Alam Calls for Urgent Integration of Climate Resilience into National Development Plans

Islamabad: Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, emphasized the urgent need to embed climate resilience into Pakistan’s national development agenda during the launch of Phase-III of the Climate Advocacy and Coordination Resilience Action (CACRA) Project.

Speaking at the event held at the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Ms. Alam underscored the importance of empowering communities, mobilizing resources, and leveraging innovation to scale up climate action. The CACRA Project Phase-III, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), aims to bolster climate resilience, particularly at the grassroots level in Pakistan.

“Climate change is not just an environmental challenge—it is a challenge of survival, justice, and humanity itself,” Ms. Alam stated. “Together, we will rise to meet this challenge with the strength of our partnerships, the resilience of our people, and the unwavering commitment of our government. We will build a Pakistan that is not just prepared for the future but is actively shaping it.”

The event brought together representatives from the German Red Cross, environmentalists, academics, students, and volunteers to discuss ongoing efforts to combat climate change and enhance resilience at the community level. Ms. Alam highlighted the immediate threats posed by climate change, citing the devastating floods of 2022, intensifying heatwaves, and persistent droughts as stark reminders of the need for urgent action.

“Today, we stand at the intersection of crisis and opportunity,” she said. “Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is here, it is now, and it is defining the reality of millions across Pakistan. These disasters are not isolated incidents; they are warnings that demand unified and relentless action.”

Despite the challenges, Ms. Alam pointed to the transformative potential of climate resilience initiatives. “Within this challenge lies an opportunity—an opportunity to transform the way we prepare, adapt, and respond. This mission brings us together today for the launch of Phase-III of the CACRA Project.”

She praised the PRCS for its frontline role in disaster response and community empowerment, noting that the organization not only saves lives but also restores dignity, hope, and resilience. “The strength of PRCS lies in its ability to empower communities, ensuring that the most vulnerable are not just beneficiaries of aid but active agents of change,” she added.

Ms. Alam reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with PRCS and acknowledged the critical support of the German Red Cross in strengthening disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in Pakistan. “Their support through the BMZ-funded CACRA Project has built climate resilience at the grassroots level and enhanced PRCS’s capacity to respond to climate challenges,” she said.

With Pakistan ranked among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable countries globally, Ms. Alam stressed that vulnerability does not equate to inevitability. “We refuse to be passive victims of the climate crisis. We must equip our communities with the knowledge, tools, and technology to mitigate risks, enhance preparedness, and ensure survival in the face of growing climate threats.”

Highlighting the achievements of the CACRA Project, she noted its success in equipping communities with climate adaptation strategies, strengthening institutional capacities, and building local resilience through research-backed interventions. “However, this work is far from over. The stakes are higher, the urgency is greater, and the need is now. Phase-III is a bold step forward, expanding community-driven and science-based solutions, strengthening policy frameworks, and fostering public-private partnerships for sustainability,” she concluded.