International Mountain Day commemorated
The Embassy of Switzerland and the Canadian High Commission in collaboration with Serena Hotels on Friday commemorated the International Mountain Day with a panel discussion “Preserving Mountain Ecosystems Amidst Climate Change – Strategies for Adaptation and Empowering Mountain Communities.”
Pakistan’s iconic mountaineers NazirSabir (first Pakistani climber to scale Mount Everest), Sirbaz Khan, first Pakistani to summit all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters and SaminaBaig first Pakistani woman mountaineer to summit the Mount Everest were among the guests. NazirSabir and Sirbaz Khan also spoke on the occasion and expressed concerns over carbon footprint in Pakistan, emissions of GHG (Green House Gases) and pollution which are causing serious threat to Pakistan’s rich treasure of glaciers and mountains in the north.
The event saw a large number of fans of adventure sports, mountain lovers, civil society activists, youths and diplomats in attendance.
While participating in the debate, Canada’s Political Counselor Daniel Arsenault emphasized his country’s partnerships in Pakistan promoting grassroots climate solutions and gender-inclusive strategies.
Canada, he said as a global leader in climate action, is committed to combating climate change and supporting vulnerable communities.
Our focus is particularly on empowering women and youth through initiatives like Eco-Leaders and partnerships with Booni Environmental Academy Chitral, he said.
Daniel also highlighted impact of climate change and global warming on the northern areas. It is noted to mention that the Canadian high commission has been instrumental for last few years in organizing the Winter Festival in GB and Chitral and Ice hockey is one of the winter sports played on the occasion. “However, we are not sure whether the climatic conditions would allow us to organize the Ice Hockey tournament in the coming year,” he said. Pakistan is home to some of the most majestic mountains in the world and it is our collective responsibility to preserve them.
Swiss Ambassador Georg Steiner while talking to media persons highlighted a number of sustainability initiatives the embassy is engaged in to reduce carbon footprints in various industries, aligning with global climate goals.
Swiss climber and author BilliBierling shared insight on balancing human activity with environmental preservation. NazirSabir reflected on the visible impact of climate change on mountain environments. NusratNasab, CEO of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), discussed community-driven solutions to enhance climate resilience for mountain populations.
Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels, while talking to media on this occaison reaffirmed his dedication to promoting sustainable tourism and empowering mountain communities.
“Through such initiatives and through our support for mountaineers such as Sirbaz Khan and SaminaBaig, we remain committed to safeguarding our mountains and the livelihoods they sustain,” he said.
