A 14-year-old Pakistani girl, Zunaira Qayyum, has been appointed as UNICEF Youth Advocate for Climate Action and Girls Empowerment in Pakistan. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) made the announcement on Friday, recognizing her efforts to bring meaningful change in the country.
Young Climate Activist Making a Difference
Zunaira Qayyum, from Hub district, Balochistan, has been working with UNICEF on climate issues. Her research on climate change-induced floods and their impact on girls’ secondary education in her district won the UNICEF Policy Research Challenge 2023. Since then, she has trained young people in her hometown on advocacy, policy engagement, research, and network building.
“I am honored to join UNICEF Pakistan as a Youth Advocate to champion children’s rights and well-being,” said Zunaira. “Real change happens when children and young people are heard and included in decisions that shape their future.”
UNICEF’s Youth Advocate Program
UNICEF appoints Youth Advocates to raise awareness about key issues like climate change, education, and child rights. These young leaders help shape policies and represent youth voices on international platforms. Similar appointments have been made in other countries, focusing on issues such as environmental justice and gender equality.
Pakistan’s Climate Crisis and Its Impact on Children
Pakistan is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Floods, droughts, and heatwaves have affected millions, including children. In 2024 alone, climate disasters disrupted education for 26 million children. In Punjab, 16 million students were affected when schools closed due to severe air pollution in November.
“The climate crisis is one of the biggest challenges of our time, but young leaders like Zunaira give us hope,” said Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan. “We must empower children with the tools and opportunities to create a better future.”
A Voice for Pakistan’s Youth
Zunaira has represented Pakistani youth at national and international forums, including COP29. She was appointed as a UNICEF Youth Advocate at the Dawn Media Breathe Pakistan Climate Conference. UNICEF hopes her activism will inspire more young people to take action on climate change and education challenges.
With her new role, Zunaira Qayyum aims to amplify the voices of Pakistani children and push for policies that protect their future.
