The Centre For Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized an in-house event to commemorate World Environment Day 2025. Ambassador Shafqat Kakakhel, Chairperson, Board of Governors, Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), was the Keynote Speaker on the occasion.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Kakakhel reflected on the key global milestones and agreements that have shaped international environmental governance since the Industrial Revolution. He underscored the significance of landmark events such as the 1972 Stockholm Conference—the first major international gathering on the environment—and foundational frameworks like the Rio Declarations, which collectively laid the groundwork for both developed and developing countries to engage in shared environmental responsibility.
He noted that while these efforts have fostered global cooperation, the emergence of climate change has intensified existing environmental challenges, making the situation more urgent and complex. Ambassador Kakakhel emphasized that Pakistan has remained actively engaged in international forums on environmental protection and made seminal contribution to some of the foundational documents safeguarding the interest of the developing countries.He noted that despite these strides, substantial work still lies ahead to effectively address the evolving climate and environmental crises. Earlier, in her introductory remarks, Dr. Neelum Nigar, CSP, emphasized that World Environment Day is a moment to reflect not only on the national but also the global dimensions of environmental degradation — from plastic pollution to the escalating impacts of climate change. She stressed the need to examine what policy and institutional responses are required to confront these challenges in a manner that is both just and effective
In his welcome remarks, Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted the growing urgency of the global climate crisis and noted with concern that the targets set under the Paris Agreement are increasingly at risk of being missed, and that many international commitments made over the years remain off-track. He pointed to the widening gap between global climate goals and actual progress, referencing key areas such as climate-induced disasters and the mechanisms for loss and damage.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasized that for Pakistan, the situation is particularly severe.
As one of the lowest carbon emitters yet among the most climate-vulnerable nations, Pakistan faces acute environmental stress. He underlined that Pakistan’s environmental challenges are multi-faceted and deeply intertwined with regional and global dynamics, requiring urgent and sustained focus.
