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PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Organizes Provincial Summit on Climate Change, Resilience, and Disaster Risk Reduction

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The Pakistan Red Crescent Society Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Headquarters (PRCS KP) successfully organized a Provincial Summit on “Climate Change, Resilience, and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)” at the Governor House, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bringing together government officials, humanitarian partners, environmental experts, and community representatives to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

The summit was graced by His Excellency Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as Chief Guest. Distinguished attendees included Mr. Obaidullah Khan, Secretary General PRCS, Mr. Asif Aman Khan, Head of Office German Red Cross (GRC), Mr. Muhammad Ali Babakhel, Additional Inspector General of Police KP, as well as representatives from the Climate Change and Adaptation (CCA) Team of PRCS National Headquarters, GRC Pakistan Program, IFRC, and ICRC.

The event also brought together key governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA KP), Relief and Rehabilitation Department, Forest Department, National Humanitarian Network (NHN), Pakistan Humanitarian Forum (PHF), Ayesha Foundation, WSSP, Watsan Cell, Education Department, Directorate General Commerce, Education and Management Science, International Rescue Committee (IRC), University of Peshawar, Bahauddin Zakaria University Multan, Pakistan Meteorological Department, Transport Department, Islamic Relief Pakistan, provincial staff of PRCS, IFRC delegates, media representatives, journalists, and young performers including actors from PTV.

The summit aimed to:

  • Discuss the impacts of increasing climate change in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

  • Review the provincial environmental policy

  • Share research-based recommendations

  • Promote inter-agency cooperation

  • Encourage proactive disaster preparedness measures

  • Increase public awareness

  • Recognize institutions and individuals contributing to climate resilience

Over 200 participants actively engaged in discussions, highlighting the importance of collaboration between government, humanitarian actors, academia, and the community to build resilient and prepared societies capable of addressing climate-related challenges.

The summit concluded under the supervision of Chairman PRCS KP, Mr. Farzand Ali Wazir, with Governor Faisal Karim Kundi delivering the closing remarks. The event ended with a commitment to continue appreciating and supporting the services of all institutions and partners contributing to climate resilience and humanitarian work in the province.

This summit reaffirmed PRCS KP’s leadership in fostering climate action, disaster preparedness, and multi-stakeholder cooperation, ensuring that communities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are better equipped to face environmental and disaster-related challenges.

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Stresses Preparedness for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction at PRCS Provincial Summit

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The Honorable Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, emphasized the urgent need for preparedness against climate change and other emerging challenges during a provincial summit organized by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction. The event took place at the Governor House, Peshawar, where experts, officials, and stakeholders gathered to discuss strategies to mitigate the growing risks posed by natural disasters and environmental changes.

Governor Kundi highlighted that the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly severe, with the country now facing unprecedented disasters that are impacting food security, the economy, and social structures. He noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with the entire country, is currently experiencing extraordinary climatic conditions, underscoring the need for effective institutional and community-level strategies to reduce disaster risks.

The summit was attended by PRCS KP Chairman Mr. Farzand Ali Wazir, environmental experts, educators, and officials from relevant government departments. During the event, documentaries showcasing PRCS KP’s humanitarian services during recent natural disasters were presented, highlighting the organization’s vital role in disaster response and community support.

Experts in environmental science, education, and community development shared insights on the challenges posed by climate change and ways to strengthen resilience and preparedness at the community level.

Governor Kundi congratulated PRCS KP for organizing the summit on this critical global issue, praising the dedicated performance of PRCS staff in recent disaster relief operations and recognizing the support of donor agencies. He emphasized that climate change and disaster risk management are not just academic topics but urgent challenges linked to Pakistan’s future, requiring immediate and effective action.

He warned that failure to address environmental risks with wisdom and responsibility could threaten the nation’s overall social and economic systems. Governor Kundi urged PRCS to develop mechanisms to prepare communities, train volunteers, and educate the public on coping with natural disaster risks. While acknowledging that natural disasters cannot be completely prevented, he stressed that strong institutional and social strategies can significantly reduce their impact.

Finally, the Governor assured that, in his role, he would continue to support and collaborate with all relevant institutions, particularly those engaged in community services and disaster management, to build a safer and more resilient society.