Islamabad: Kindernothilfe e.V. (KNH), a child-focused international development organization, recently held a significant workshop in Pakistan to address the devastating effects of environmental and climate change on rural and marginalized communities, particularly women and children. The event, which brought together policymakers, environmental experts, development practitioners, and community leaders, aimed to explore sustainable solutions and enhance resilience against climate change.
Since 1978, KNH has been actively involved in promoting education and empowering communities in Pakistan. The organization’s commitment to social development extends to addressing the effects of climate change, especially as they disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. With a presence in 18 projects across four provinces, KNH uses the Child Rights Approach (CRA) and Self-Help Approach (SHA) to guide its community-driven initiatives.
The workshop focused on integrating climate adaptation into community-led development, emphasizing sustainable agriculture, water governance, and green energy solutions. A distinguished panel of six experts shared insights on combating climate change, and His Excellency, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, attended as the Guest of Honor.
Ms. Shahzadi Kiran, Country Manager for KNH Pakistan, delivered a keynote address highlighting the organization’s extensive experience in rural development and climate resilience. She emphasized the importance of combining local knowledge with modern climate adaptation strategies to build resilience and protect livelihoods. “Communities are at the forefront of climate change. Our approach integrates local knowledge with modern climate adaptation strategies to build resilience and protect livelihoods,” Ms. Kiran said.
The event included panel discussions on key topics such as climate-smart farming practices to ensure food security, the management of water resources through community-led initiatives, and the implementation of renewable energy solutions like home-based solar systems for off-grid rural areas.
Representatives from federations, self-help groups, and rural women’s collectives shared impactful testimonials, showcasing how KNH’s interventions have positively transformed lives. These testimonials underscored the importance of community-driven solutions and highlighted the tangible improvements in the lives of women and children.
The workshop also featured case studies on KNH’s Green Team initiatives, including tree planting, seed distribution, animal farming, and the training of agricultural extension workers, many of whom are women. These efforts demonstrate the organization’s proactive approach to addressing climate-related challenges.
The event concluded with a commitment to strengthen partnerships among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities to scale up climate adaptation efforts. Attendees agreed on the urgency of collaborative action to build resilience in rural populations against the adverse effects of climate change.
This workshop serves as a crucial step in raising awareness and promoting sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change, with a focus on the most vulnerable communities in Pakistan. KNH remains dedicated to addressing climate challenges while prioritizing the needs of children and women in rural areas, ensuring a more resilient future for all.
