LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif met Valerie Hickey Global Director of World Bank’s Climate Change Group during COP-30 Conference in Belem, Brazil. The meeting focused on collaboration and policy discussions related to environmental sustainability and climate resilience in Punjab. Global Director of World Bank’s Climate Change Group Valerie Hickey lauded Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s environmental vision, describing her as a “Climate Change Warrior” and “Climate Leader”. She appreciated Punjab government’s ongoing initiatives for environmental improvement and offered complete support on behalf of World Bank in this regard.
The World Bank extended an invitation to the Punjab government to participate in the Global Carbon Market and expressed its readiness to assist in projects related to Clean Punjab, Air Quality Index (AQI), transport, forestry and wildlife conservation. Chief Minister Punjab invited Global Director of World Bank’s Climate Change Group Valerie Hickey to visit Punjab which she graciously accepted. Valerie Hickey also commended Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s impactful speech at COP-30 Conference, quoting three key excerpts which deeply impressed her. They include, “COP-30 Conference should be remembered not as a gathering of words but as a pledge of purpose and commitment”, “The Global South has emerged not as a voice of protest, but as a voice of purpose” and “Environmental sustainability is not charity, it is justice.”
Valerie Hickey extolled, “Maryam Nawaz Sharif has emerged as a Climate Change Warrior from South Asia. As a woman Chief Minister, she embodies determination, creativity and courage in addressing climate challenges.” She emphasized that Punjab’s environmental programs reflect global leadership and commitment to sustainability. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed gratitude for Valerie Hickey’s appreciation and reiterated her commitment to making Punjab a model of environmental excellence not just in the region, but across the globe. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Ministers Rana Sikandar Hayat, Zeeshan Rafique, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Chairman P&D Naeem Rauf and DG EPA Imran Hamid attended the meeting.
