Govt plans Green University to drive climate innovation, sustainable growth

June 17, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan is planning to establish a dedicated Green University to develop climate-resilient human capital and drive green innovation as part of the country's transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) is spearheading the initiative, which aims to equip young professionals with advanced green skills and foster applied research in climate and environmental disciplines, APP reported.

Alongside the university, the ministry is launching a "Shark Tank"-style National Green Startup Innovation Challenge to provide entrepreneurs and innovators a platform to pitch climate-smart business ideas to investors and development partners.

The initiative is designed to facilitate access to funding, mentorship and partnerships while encouraging youth-led climate action and the growth of green enterprises.

On the institutional front, Pakistan is strengthening its climate governance architecture through the Pakistan Climate Change Authority (PCCA), established under the Pakistan Climate Change Act 2017.

The authority, mandated to mobilise international climate finance and support policy implementation, has developed over 38 project proposals and secured approval for three to date.

During FY2025-26, operational rules and procedural frameworks for both the authority and the Pakistan Climate Change Fund were finalised to enhance implementation capacity.

The PCCA is currently engaging with the Green Climate Fund as Pakistan's first national entity seeking Direct Access Readiness Support, in coordination with MoCC&EC, with the proposed mechanism targeting improvements in coordination, monitoring, data management and climate-related reporting.

On biodiversity, Pakistan is revising its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and has ratified the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction.

Protected areas have expanded to 476 sites covering over 20% of the country's territory, including marine ecosystems.

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