Islamabad: UNICEF Pakistan has appointed 14-year-old Zunaira Qayyum as its Youth Advocate for Climate Action and Girls’ Empowerment. The announcement was made during the Breathe Pakistan Climate Conference held in Islamabad, highlighting Zunaira’s commitment to addressing climate change and advocating for girls’ rights.
According to Radio Pakistan, Zunaira, hailing from Balochistan, has been a prominent voice for Pakistan’s youth on both national and international platforms, including COP 29. Her research on the impacts of climate change-induced floods on girls’ secondary education in Hub, Balochistan, gained recognition when it was named one of the winners of the UNICEF Policy Research Challenge in 2023.
Zunaira’s appointment as a Youth Advocate underscores her dedication and the importance of involving young voices in critical issues like climate change and girls’ empowerment. Her work continues to inspire and bring attention to the challenges faced by girls in the context of climate adversity.