Zubair Qureshi Islamabad
Every year on April 22, the world commemorates International Mother Earth Day, a poignant recognition of our planet’s delicate balance and the imperative to safeguard it.
This day holds immense significance as it brings together over a billion individuals worldwide, inspiring collective action towards sustainable practices that benefit both humanity and the environment.
As we commemorate Earth Day, it is essential to note that the United States and Pakistan have a long history of working together to advance sustainable economic growth.
According to the USAID, the USAID-Pakistan Climate Financing Activity will help facilitate Pakistan’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
The Green Alliance framework extends beyond addressing climate change and environmental decline; it presents Pakistan with significant economic prospects by acknowledging that green alternatives are not only environmentally beneficial but also increasingly lucrative and sought after by private markets.
It was in 1960s, the United States supported Pakistan’s “Green Revolution” to improve agricultural crop yields and strengthen food security.
In recent times, too both governments are optimistic to continue deepening their bilateral partnership through the US-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework.
This “Green Alliance” is helping Pakistan and the United States jointly face the climate, environmental, and economic needs of the present and future, especially through partnership on agriculture, water, and clean energy.
This framework between the United States and Pakistan also strives to foster inclusive, sustainable economic growth through the expansion of bilateral trade and investment, as well as the generation of new jobs, industries, and opportunities.
Throughout the past year, several initiatives and collaborative efforts have been launched in alignment with the Green Alliance framework.
Back in May 2023, the US Ambassador Donald Blome visited Thatta, Jhimpir, and Karachi to highlight the US-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework and further strengthen the bilateral partnership between our two countries.
In Jhimpir, Ambassador Blome visited the USAID-funded power grid station and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation-funded Hawa Energy Limited wind power project.
The plant contributes 50 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy to Pakistan’s national grid, enough to power more than 10,000 homes. USAID support for power transmission infrastructure has also enabled 780 MW of wind power to flow to Pakistan’s power grid.
He also visited the Center for Advanced Studies in Water at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology – initially established through a $12 million cooperative agreement between Mehran University and USAID – where he discussed the partnerships between the US and Pakistani universities that strengthen research in water and environment-related fields.
As part of the US-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework, the United States is working with partners throughout Pakistan to support clean energy and sustainable water management in the country.
In June 2023, Ambassador Donald Blome visited the GomalZam Dam in South Waziristan. The United States, through USAID provided $130 million assistance to work in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan on the GomalZam project. The dam has provided enough electricity for 20,000 homes. The broader GomalZam project has also doubled agricultural production in the region by opening 191,000 acres for local farmers, controlling potential flood damage from impacting more than 30,000 households, and dramatically increasing Pakistan’s water storage capacity.
The US and Pakistan continue collaborating under the US-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework to advance water management, clean energy, and climate-smart agriculture!
In August 2023 – USAID Pakistan supported the Water Management for Enhanced Productivity (WMfEP) project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), aiming to address water management challenges and uplift rural communities.
With a strategic emphasis on enhancing water management strategies, WMfEP endeavors to bolster farm household incomes, foster sustainable livelihoods, and catalyze socio-economic development in the region. In August 2023, the project team facilitated a hands-on training session aimed at empowering local women and youth with expert guidance and practical knowledge on efficient water management techniques. Additionally, participants received specialized spray kits, equipping them with the tools necessary to implement these practices effectively.
In September 2023 – at the USAID ‘Invest in Pakistan’ conference, the United States unveiled a substantial $44 million commitment to new US-Pakistani diaspora investment initiatives, elevating the total diaspora contributions to nearly $200 million.
These newly established Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) signify a concerted effort to bolster various sectors of Pakistan’s economy. They encompass support for advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technology, fostering local electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing capabilities, promoting semiconductor chip designing, and aiding in the restoration of livelihoods for communities affected by floods.
Then in November 2023, the conclusion of the Municipal Services Programme in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa marked a significant milestone, with 448,000 residents now enjoying reliable access to safe, clean drinking water, courtesy of a $44.6 million USAID-funded initiative.
In December 2023, the USAID partnered with the Pakistani Government to champion a swift solution—electric vehicles. USAID collaborates with LUMS through the Private Financing Advisory Network, offering advisory services for renewable and electric vehicle investments in Pakistan. Startups like ezBike electrify motorbikes, reduce fuel costs, and decrease noise pollution. Plus, research into swappable batteries for cookstoves, refrigeration, and health clinics holds promise.
In January 2024, the USAID Investment and Climate Summit, hosted by USAID’s Investment Promotion Activity, represented a significant milestone in bolstering the relationship between the United States and Pakistan. Whether it was honoring innovation through the Green Alliance Gaming Challenge Awards or cultivating economic partnerships via USAID grants, each aspect of the summit underscored a mutual dedication to fostering growth and sustainability.
In March 2024, USAID/Pakistan Mission Director Kate Somvongsiri met with the Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad to discuss the effects of climate change, including promoting climate-smart agriculture and improving food security. She also toured the Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security that USAID built in 2015 which is researching climate resilient crops to help improve food security.
Inaugural of the Multan Electric Power Company’s (Mepco) Customers Facilitation Centre also took place during this month as part of the Green Alliance framework.
Finally, in April 2024, the USAID launched the Pakistan Climate Financing Activity, an up to $10 million, four-year endeavor aimed at bolstering sustainability and climate resilience in Pakistan. This initiative underscores the steadfast commitment of the US government to foster responsible stewardship of natural resources and combat the climate crisis. It represents a significant stride towards fulfilling the objectives outlined in the US-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework.
