ISLAMABAD, Sep 30 (Alliance News): Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, emphasized the importance of empowering disaster-vulnerable communities with resources and skills to mitigate the effects of increasing natural disasters in Pakistan.
Addressing a high-level dialogue titled ‘The Resilient Reflections,’ she highlighted that enhancing community resilience is crucial for their long-term sustainability.
Khurshid stated, “Providing necessary training and resources helps communities better prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters. Equipping individuals with skills and resources can lead to sustainable livelihoods, enabling communities to bounce back economically, socially, and psychologically after a disaster.”
She further noted the interconnectedness of communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems, asserting that building resilience in one area positively influences others, fostering a more sustainable and adaptive environment overall.
The event was organized by Islamic Relief, the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF), and the Asian Development Bank, with support from the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination.
It attracted senior officials from federal and provincial organizations, national and international NGOs, academia, researchers, and media representatives.
Khurshid stressed the need for local leadership and education on disaster preparedness, asserting that well-equipped communities are better prepared to withstand and recover from disasters.
As Pakistan faces escalating climate challenges, including extreme weather and resource scarcity, she urged all stakeholders to collaborate in building community resilience and adaptive capacity.
“Building resilience is not just a strategy; it’s a necessity for our future,” she warned, calling for close cooperation between federal and provincial governments and civil society organizations to empower vulnerable communities, strengthen infrastructure, and protect ecosystems.
She added that upgrading roads, bridges, and water management systems is crucial for economic stability and public safety, ensuring they can withstand climate impacts and reduce the risk of catastrophic failures.
Khurshid concluded by emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that integrates environmental sustainability, disaster risk reduction, and community engagement, ensuring that the voices of climate-vulnerable communities are heard in decision-making processes, leading to a more equitable and resilient society.
