The French Embassy in Islamabad recently hosted the fourth edition of the Gender and Climate Award ceremony, celebrating the contributions of Pakistani women who are at the forefront of climate action, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
Ambassador Highlights Initiative's Growth
French Ambassador to Pakistan Nicolas Galey, speaking at the event, emphasized the initiative's expanding success. He noted that the award has grown significantly since its inception, attracting a rising number of applicants and partners each year. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Senator Sherry Rehman, Chairperson of the Senate Climate Committee; Aisha Humaira Moriani, Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination; Samuel Rizk, UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative; and Aisha Khan, Chief Executive of the Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change.
Recognition of Partners and Applicants
Ambassador Galey expressed gratitude for the steadfast support from Pakistan's climate leadership and civil society, particularly the Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change. He also acknowledged the contributions of development organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme, UN Women, the Aga Khan Foundation, and the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, which have helped advance climate and gender-related initiatives. The ambassador revealed that over 350 applications were received this year, reflecting the growing relevance of climate action and the increasingly vital role women play in addressing environmental challenges across Pakistan.
Award Winners and Their Contributions
Following a rigorous evaluation process, the jury selected two winners whose work stood out for its innovation and impact. Zillay Mariam was honored for her efforts in promoting green entrepreneurship and developing technological solutions for managing plastic and organic waste. Songul Jamal received recognition for her work in protecting fragile coral reef ecosystems and advancing marine conservation. Ambassador Galey congratulated the recipients, praising their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to environmental sustainability, describing them as inspiring examples of how local leadership can contribute to global climate solutions.
France's Commitment to Gender Equality and Climate Action
The French envoy emphasized that gender equality and climate action remain central pillars of France's foreign policy. He noted that France adopted a feminist diplomacy strategy in 2019, and its 2025–2030 feminist diplomacy framework explicitly recognizes that women are disproportionately affected by climate change and related disasters. Galey reaffirmed France's commitment to the Paris Agreement's objectives and stressed that France and the European Union continue to mobilize governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector worldwide to strengthen action against climate change.
Pakistan's Vulnerability and International Cooperation
Ambassador Galey described Pakistan as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate impacts, making international cooperation and climate resilience initiatives especially important. He highlighted France's broader global climate engagement, including hosting the third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice in 2025 and committing over six billion euros annually since 2022 to support climate transition, resilience, and adaptation projects in developing countries.
Role of French Development Agency
The ambassador further underlined the role of the French Development Agency (AFD), which has partnered with the French Embassy in supporting the Gender and Climate Awards. Since 2006, AFD has supported more than 40 projects in Pakistan, with commitments exceeding €1.5 billion across multiple sectors, while integrating climate and gender equality objectives. Reaffirming France's long-term partnership with Pakistan, Galey said the French government would continue supporting both Pakistani civil society and government institutions in addressing climate challenges, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, resilience, and women's empowerment.
The Gender and Climate Award has emerged as a significant platform for recognizing Pakistani women who are making meaningful contributions to environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development, while highlighting the critical link between gender equality and climate action.
