ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), with the support of the German Red Cross, organized the Pre-COP31 Event, “Community Voice to COP31: from Negotiations to Implementation,” at its National Headquarters. The event aimed to bring the experiences, concerns and aspirations of climate-affected communities into the global climate dialogue ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties.
Welcoming the guests, Chairperson PRCS, Mrs. Farzhana Naek, said: “Climate change is a growing humanitarian crisis, affecting lives, livelihoods, health, food security, water availability and human dignity. Community voices must not simply be heard at climate events; they must shape decisions, investments and implementation.” She called for greater investment in preparedness, anticipatory action, climate adaptation and community resilience, and urged that progress be measured by “communities reached, risks reduced, livelihoods protected and lives made safer.”
Secretary General PRCS, Mr. Muhammad Abaidullah Khan, said that the event was a chance to turn the experience of climate-affected communities into a clear voice ahead of COP31. He briefed participants on the event zones and PRCS’s climate adaptation initiatives, and noted that under the Chairperson’s leadership, the transformation of PRCS continues to make the Society more vibrant, transparent, accountable and sustainable.
Mr. Emilio Teijeira, Regional Representative Asia, German Red Cross, appreciated PRCS’s climate action and said: “The German Red Cross is proud to stand with the Pakistan Red Crescent Society. Its work on community resilience, early action and adaptation shows what locally led climate action looks like in practice. As COP31 approaches, we must ensure that the voices of affected communities are reflected in its outcomes.”
Mr. Sajjad Kandhir, Head of the Climate Change Program, spoke on the program’s importance and ongoing activities.
The event was organized across three zones. Participants watched a documentary on joint PRCS and German Red Cross initiatives and a theatre performance, “Tapish.” A panel discussion brought together experts with backgrounds in humanitarian and emergency response, climate policy, climate finance and adaptation, and disaster risk reduction and resilience. They shared perspectives on strengthening community preparedness and turning climate commitments into local action, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session. Mr. Asif Aman of the German Red Cross in Pakistan thanked all the panelists for their valuable insights and contributions, and appreciated the participants for their active engagement.
The Green Action Hub featured a Green Market with a Collection and Reward Booth, recycling booths for paper, plastic and metal, and a Climate Gallery asking what COP31 should deliver for communities facing calamities. Guests also placed their key asks and commitments on the My Climate Pledge Tree, and the programme concluded with the “Plant a Promise” plantation drive.
The key takeaways and asks from the event will inform PRCS’s Climate Message to COP31, to help turn global ambition into meaningful, measurable and sustainable local action.
Leave a Reply