Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 1 June 2021

UNDP

PRESS RELEASE

Government of Pakistan and UNDP Pakistan organize “Pedal for a Green Pakistan” cycling event in Islamabad as a prequel to World Environment Day celebrations

Islamabad, 1 June, 2021—Government of Pakistan and UNDP Pakistan organized ‘Pedal for a Green Pakistan’ cycling event in Islamabad as a prequel to World Environment Day celebrations. The cycling event was led by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with Ministry of Climate Change, UNDP Pakistan, and Urban Innovation.

World Environment Day is celebrated every year on 5 June—engaging governments, businesses and citizens in an effort to address pressing environmental issues. Every year the day is hosted by different countries. This year Pakistan is the global host.

The cycling event was part of the series of activities planned to celebrate World Environment Day. Led by Foreign Minister Mr. Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, members of the diplomatic corps and UN agencies based in Islamabad, along with representatives from the Foreign Ministry, cycled from D-chowk Constitution Avenue to the Foreign Office Building. The event was held to encourage and promote the use of bicycles for the reduction of carbon footprint, noise pollution and vehicular emission. 

Speaking at the event, the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi said, “The theme of this year’s Environment Day, Ecosystem Restoration, is at the heart of Prime Minister’s Green Vision, and Pakistan is committed to continue playing our due role in countering the climate crisis, protecting biological diversity and promoting ecosystem restoration.”

State Minister for Climate Change, Ms. Zartaj Gul while addressing the participants highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate related disasters, and how it’s constantly facing the brunt of climate change on its diverse natural ecosystems. She also emphasized on the important role Pakistan is playing and the future actions we can take to address this.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister, Mr. Malik Amin Aslam thanked the participants of the cycling event for coming together and highlighting that environmental conservation and climate action is a collaborative journey towards ecosystem restoration and a green economy.

“The degree of commitment demonstrated by Pakistan, by developing its green agenda, especially the reforestation efforts through the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami programme  is impressive,” said UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative, Mr. Knut Ostby, while congratulating Pakistan on hosting the World Environment Day. “UNDP remains committed in assisting the government, institutions, and the people of Pakistan to achieve its ‪Sustainable Development Goals, and to be an active contributor towards meaningful climate action.”

Multiple documentaries on Pakistan’s rich biodiversity, and on key initiatives on ecosystem restoration and climate action were also screened at the event.

For additional information, please contact Ayesha Babar at ayesha.babar@undp.org  or +92 (51) 835 5650