The meeting focused on advancing joint action on child rights, climate change, air quality, water security, wastewater and circular economy.

Ms. Cindy Kushner briefed the Minister on UNICEF’s child-centered climate agenda, noting that Pakistan remains one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, with children disproportionately affected by floods, heatwaves, water scarcity and air pollution.

Key Priorities Discussed:

1. Child Rights and Climate Change: The delegation highlighted that over 40 million children in Pakistan face heightened risks to their health, education, nutrition and protection due to climate impacts. Both sides agreed on the need to mainstream child rights into Pakistan’s Climate Action Agenda and all the policies. 
2. Air Quality and Clean Energy Transition: Both sides expressed grave concern over Pakistan’s air pollution crisis, where PM2.5 levels in major cities exceed WHO guidelines by 15-20 times, contributing to child pneumonia, stunting and learning loss. Discussion focused on accelerating clean energy transition as a critical lever for improving air quality and protecting child health, linked to the implementation of the National Clean Air Policy (NCAP) 2023.
3. Climate, Water Nexus, Wastewater and Circular Economy: Ms. Cindy Kushner emphasized UNICEF’s priorities on climate-resilient WASH, water scarcity and groundwater management. The meeting extended to wastewater management and circular economy, with a focus on wastewater reuse, resource recovery, and circular solutions in schools, health facilities and communities to ensure water security for children.

Minister of State Ms. Shazra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal welcomed UNICEF’s technical leadership and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to child-sensitive climate action.

"Our climate policies must work for our children. Clean air and clean water are not luxuries, they are fundamental child rights. Clean energy transition is central to securing that future," said Minister of State Shazra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal.

"Every decision we make and every program we design  is a decision about child health and survival. UNICEF is committed to supporting the Ministry to deliver climate solutions that protect and empower every child in Pakistan," said Ms. Cindy Kushner, Chief WASH & CEE.

Both sides agreed to:

• Integrate child-sensitive indicators for social sector reforms
• Accelerate collaboration on clean energy transition for clean air outcomes for children;
• Explore the solutions for , wastewater reuse and circular economy initiatives. 
• Strengthen youth engagement for green skills and green jobs together identify financial levers to generate readiness for green economic transition

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to translate discussions into actionable programs for Pakistan’s children.