Zunaira Qayyum, a 14-year-old from Balochistan, has been appointed as a UNICEF Youth Advocate for Climate Action and Girls’ Empowerment.
Her selection was announced at the Breath Pakistan Climate Conference in recognition of her advocacy for environmental issues and her efforts for children’s rights, Dawan News Reported.
Zunaira Qayyum has represented Pakistan’s youth on national and international platforms, including COP 29.
Her research on how climate change-induced floods in the Hub district of Balochistan affect girls’ secondary education was included in UNICEF’s Policy Research Challenge in 2023, where she secured the first position.
Using UNICEF’s Youth Advocacy Guide, Zunaira has also trained young individuals engaged in policy discussions, research, and networking for campaigns against environmental pollution.
Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, praised Zunaira Qayyum’s work, calling it a beacon of hope for the future. Zuneira emphasized the need to empower youth to take action against growing environmental threats.
This appointment comes at a critical time when climate change is severely impacting education and livelihoods in Pakistan.
A recent UNICEF analysis revealed that in 2024, climate-induced disasters disrupted the education of 26 million children, with 16 million in Punjab alone affected by air pollution.
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