The fourth edition of the Pakistan Gender Climate Award concluded at Serena Hotel, Islamabad, on 3 June 2026, celebrating women who are leading climate action and community resilience across the country. The Gender Climate Award received a record 352 applications this year, underlining growing momentum for women-led climate initiatives in Pakistan.
The 2026 award recognised two distinguished leaders. Dr. Zillay Mariam Sohail was honoured for pioneering efforts to transform waste into sustainable value chains and for advancing circular economy solutions that create livelihoods while reducing environmental harm. Ms. Songul Jamal was recognised for her leadership in marine ecosystem conservation and for raising environmental awareness among coastal communities, strengthening local capacity to protect marine resources.
Each awardee received a cash prize of PKR 1 million in recognition of their tangible achievements and impact. The ceremony drew representatives from government, development partners, civil society, academia, the media, and the diplomatic community, reflecting a broad coalition backing women’s leadership in climate responses.
In her opening keynote, Senator Sherry Rehman highlighted the central role women play in climate response and recovery, noting that women are not only disproportionately affected by climate impacts but also drive effective emergency response and long-term resilience. Federal Secretary for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Aisha Moriani commended the initiative and emphasised that women are actively participating in addressing the integrated challenges of climate change and contributing to solutions.
The event featured two panel discussions moderated by Ambassador Nadeem Riyaz and senior journalist Arifa Noor, exploring opportunities and barriers to strengthening women’s participation in climate leadership and decision-making across Pakistan. H.E. Nicolas Galey, Ambassador of France to Pakistan, stressed the importance of recognising and investing in women as agents of climate resilience and sustainable development, linking the Gender Climate Award to broader efforts in feminist diplomacy.
Dr. Samuel Rizk, UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative, underscored the need for inclusive and equitable climate action, praising the awardees for translating knowledge into community-level action. The award is supported by the Embassy of France, the French Development Agency, UNDP, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, UN Women, and the Aga Khan Foundation, and is implemented by the Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change.
Aisha Khan of CSCCC said the Gender Climate Award serves as an important platform for amplifying women’s voices and inspiring a new generation of changemakers as climate risks intensify. The 2026 edition reinforced the role of women-led initiatives in advancing sustainable development and resilience across Pakistan.
