As the representative of Pakistan, Shehnaz Zakia distinguished herself as a worthy recipient of the Everest Climate Action Award 2023.
The esteemed Everest Climate Action Award 2023 was presented to Shehnaz Zakia, an Associate Curator at the Pakistan Museum of Natural History in Islamabad, at the South Asian Climate Action Conference in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Vice President Ram Sarah Prasad Yadav gave Shehnaz the award, which honours her outstanding efforts in promoting climate change awareness among Pakistani local communities and students and supporting initiatives to lessen its effects.
Vice President Ram Sarah Prasad Yadav gave out the Everest Climate Action Award to recognise the outstanding contributions made by climate activists, advocates, experts, and influencers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
The National Youth Council, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Youth Development Center Nepal jointly organised the event with the goal of recognising the crucial work done by those actively combating climate change in the area.
As the representative of Pakistan, Shehnaz Zakia distinguished herself as a worthy recipient of the Everest Climate Action Award 2023.
During the conference, her tireless efforts to educate local communities and students in flood-affected areas about climate change and its potential effects were honoured. Her significant contributions to empowering marginalised communities and fostering environmental stewardship are recognised by the award.
Shehnaz organised clean-up and plantation activities, awareness campaigns, and interactive meetings with universities and stakeholders as part of her effective initiatives. Her work aimed to give Pakistan’s flood-affected youth the information and resources they need to comprehend climate change and actively participate in its mitigation.
These initiatives were made possible by the seed grant project called Agahi that Shehnaz and her group were awarded through the TechWomen programme 2022 from the International Institute of Education, USA.
Vice President Yadav highlighted Nepal’s vulnerability to climate change during the opening session of the conference and emphasised the urgent need for action to mitigate its negative effects.
He applauded Shehnaz and the other award recipients, acknowledging the crucial role that youth play in advancing climate action and expressing his faith in their capacity to bring about positive change.
The Everest Climate Action Award Shehnaz Zakia received highlights her extraordinary dedication to educating Pakistanis about climate change and advancing sustainable lifestyles. Her work as an Associate Curator at the Pakistan Museum of Natural History has been recognised and honoured on a global scale for the empowerment of local communities and students.
Shehnaz’s commitment to reducing the effects of climate change serves as an example for others and emphasises the significance of personal involvement in building a sustainable future.