ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized an event in Islamabad on May 31, 2021 under the theme of “Pedal for a Green Future.”
Pakistan is the proud global host of the “World Environment Day 2021”, which is celebrated on June 5 every year.
The cycling event – held in partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Urban Innovation – was part of the series of activities that are being held in that connection.
Led by the Foreign Minister 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 aim of the event was to encourage and promote the use of bicycles for the reduction of carbon footprint, noise pollution, and vehicular emission.
🇵🇰 is proud global host of #WorldEnvironmentDay2021 and in celebration of this the Foreign Office @ClimateChangePK @UNDP_Pakistan @urban_innov hosted a great afternoon of cycling, encouraging use of bicycles for reduction of carbon footprint, noise pollution & vehicular emission pic.twitter.com/xdoFUaD93i
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) May 31, 2021
Speaking on the occasion, the foreign minister noted that this year’s hosting of World Environment Day in Pakistan was an acknowledgment of our strong credentials in combating environmental degradation and climate change.
Highlighting that the theme of this year’s Environment Day – “Ecosystem Restoration” – was fully aligned with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s “Green Vision”, the foreign minister outlined the significant steps taken by Pakistan in terms of various innovative nature-based solutions.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi also underscored Pakistan’s active role in international climate diplomacy through its constructive participation in negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
The foreign minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued commitment to playing its due role in countering the climate crisis, protecting biological diversity, and promoting ecosystem restoration.
The theme of this year’s Environment Day, Ecosystem Restoration, is at the heart of PM @ImranKhanPTI’s Green Vision & Pakistan is committed to continue playing our due role in countering the climate crisis, protecting biological diversity & promoting ecosystem restoration. https://t.co/dizRbzt1Ao
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) May 31, 2021
Both the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam and the Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul also addressed the participants along with the UNDP’s Resident Representative in Islamabad. Their central message was to make “peace with nature.”
Earlier, the Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood welcomed the guests and provided an overview of the country’s steady march on the path of “Clean and Green Pakistan” under a well-articulated agenda consisting of a number of flagship initiatives.
The event also featured a musical performance as well as short videos showcasing Pakistan’s rich bio-diversity, flora and fauna, and key initiatives for combating climate change and ecosystem restoration.
