ISLAMABAD: The 3rd edition of the Pakistan Gender Climate Award (GCA) concluded with a powerful tribute to women climate champions who are transforming Pakistan’s response to climate change through innovation, resilience, and inclusive leadership.
Held at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, the ceremony honored two trailblazing women: Anusha Fatima in the Climate Action category and Aisha Farrukh in Climate Journalism. Each was awarded PKR 1.2 million to further their impactful work. The winners were selected from 275 applications submitted nationwide, reflecting growing momentum around gender-responsive climate leadership.
The GCA 2025 recognized achievements across two vital domains:
-
Climate Action: Highlighting grassroots or institutional solutions that empower women and communities in building climate resilience.
-
Climate Journalism: Acknowledging media professionals amplifying the climate-gender nexus through storytelling and reporting.
A Multilateral Effort
The Gender Climate Award is an initiative launched in 2023 by the Embassy of France in Pakistan, and this year’s edition was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), UNDP, UN Women, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), and the Aga Khan Foundation. The Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change (CSCCC) served as the implementing agency.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, the 2025 ceremony underscored France’s sustained commitment to climate equity. Speaking at the event, Ambassador Nicolas Galey reiterated that “gender inclusivity is central to our climate diplomacy, and the GCA stands as a flagship initiative aligning with our long-term vision.”
Stories from the Frontlines
Two thought-provoking panel discussions enriched the ceremony. The first gathered representatives from partner organizations who explained the strategic importance of gender equity in climate frameworks. The second featured past and current GCA winners who shared lived experiences of driving climate action across Pakistan’s diverse ecological and social landscapes.
Samuel Rizk, UNDP’s Resident Representative in Pakistan, described the Award as “a model for intersectional climate leadership essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda.”
Government Endorsement and Civil Society’s Role
In her keynote address, Minister of State for Climate Change Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal celebrated the initiative’s success in elevating women’s voices and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to institutionalizing gender-responsive climate policies.
Aisha Khan, CEO of CSCCC, closed the event by thanking France and the coalition of partners, pledging that “civil society will continue to champion women-led climate solutions with ambition and courage.”
