LAHORE, October 29, 2026 Ali Imeans Chattha 

Collective responsibility, inclusive leadership and practical changes in everyday life were highlighted as key elements of climate action at Climate Gala 2026, the second Inclusive Climate Action Network (I-CAN) Conference organized by Bargad under its Faith in Action Project in collaboration with the University of Education, Lower Mall Campus, Lahore.

The conference brought together 236 participants, including students, faith leaders, policymakers, academics and environmental advocates, to promote inclusive and faith-based approaches to climate action.

Salma Butt, Provincial Minister for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, urged participants to adopt sustainable food practices, reduce plastic consumption and recognize the environmental consequences of everyday choices. Prof. Dr. Aqif Anwar Chaudhry, Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Lahore, highlighted the potential of young people to drive change and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Ambreen Lateef, Deputy Secretary at the EP&CCD, appreciated Bargad’s initiative, while Muhammad Yousaf, Director HR&MAD, emphasized environmental responsibility and greater awareness of relevant policies.

Faith Leaders Call for Shared Environmental Responsibility

The senior panel, titled “Faith, Ethics and Environment: A Shared Responsibility,” emphasized the need for stronger cooperation among different faiths and communities to address environmental challenges.

Allama Asghar Chishti highlighted religious teachings on protecting nature, while Rev. Samuel B. Massey, Prof Ashok Kumar and other faith representatives stressed that environmental protection is a shared responsibility. Dr. Sadya Salar of the Khawaja Sira Society emphasized that marginalized communities must have a voice in climate-related decisions.

Climate activist Shazeen Saeed called for community-led solutions that connect local needs with government policies, highlighting the importance of translating shared environmental values into practical action.

Youth Leadership and Community Solutions Take Centre Stage

The youth panel, “From Climate Concern to Climate Leadership: The Role of Youth Activists,” focused on air pollution, waste management, the River Ravi and green entrepreneurship.

Tahira Jamil of the Environmental Protection Agency Punjab and Abdul Wahab of Suthra Punjab highlighted the public health consequences of pollution. Rameen Mashhood, Member of the Prime Minister’s National Youth Council, called for meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes.

Environmental activist Abuzar Madhu highlighted the role of storytelling and community engagement in promoting climate awareness. Asma Arif, founder of Green Riwayat, emphasized recycling and green entrepreneurship as ways to support sustainable livelihoods.

Aliza Aziz of Bargad encouraged young people to move beyond online awareness and translate their concerns into practical community initiatives.

Call for Cooperation Across Communities

Rabia Dar, I-CAN Lead, called for cooperation across faiths and communities to transform shared values into meaningful environmental action.

The conference was also attended by Rizwan Anwar and Maha Jamil, representatives of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme; Nabeeha Shakeel of Abroo Foundation; Aqsa Zahoor of Edpro Consultants; and Sana Fatima, Head of Marketing at FemCare Embrace, Packages. Academics, environmental practitioners and community representatives also participated in the event.

I-CAN Awards Recognize Contributions to Climate Action

The I-CAN Awards recognized individuals and initiatives contributing to inclusive climate action. Dr. Zainab Aman of Saheli and Feminist Future Labs received the I-CAN Award for gender-transformative climate action.

Special Media Shout-Out Awards recognized Hafiza Asma for linking climate education with circular entrepreneurship and Arfa Shan of Ferro Bars, Balochistan, for promoting resource efficiency through value addition to surplus dates.

Climate Gala 2026 concluded with a clear call to move beyond awareness towards practical solutions, ensure the inclusion of marginalized voices, empower young people and strengthen partnerships across faiths and institutions to protect the environment.