Three Day 2nd Workshop on Ecological Crisis and Climate Change Issues in Pakistan
Three Day 2nd Workshop on Ecological Crisis and Climate Change Issues in Pakistan
The Three Day 2nd Workshop on Ecological Crisis and Climate Change Issues in Pakistan was conducted from January 16 to 18, 2026, at the YMCA Hall in Lahore, Pakistan. The workshop was organized by Lahore YMCA, in collaboration with the Interfaith Cooperation Forum (ICF) and the Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY).
The program brought together youth from different cities and rural areas of Pakistan to address the growing ecological crisis and climate change challenges faced by the country. Participants included college and university students, environmental activists, and community leaders from diverse faith backgrounds. The workshop aimed to raise awareness, build understanding, and encourage youth-led action toward climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability in local communities.
Goals of the Program
To raise awareness among youth about ecological crisis and climate change issues in Pakistan.
To understand the causes and impacts of pollution, smog, and environmental degradation.
To empower youth to take small but meaningful actions for climate change reduction.
To promote interfaith cooperation and collective responsibility for environmental protection.
To encourage youth leadership and community-based climate awareness initiatives.
Highlights of the Program
Day 1 – Pollution, Smog, and Health Impacts
The workshop began with an introductory session outlining the objectives and importance of addressing climate change. Sessions on “Pollution in Our Cities and Its Causes” were led by Ms. Sania Ashiq (Assistant Secretary), followed by “Impacts on Health and Well-being” by Mr. Ramis John (Youth Coordinator).
Participants engaged in group discussions and activities, sharing experiences and perspectives on environmental challenges in their respective communities. Resource persons highlighted the worsening smog situation in Pakistan, particularly in Lahore, which consistently ranks among the most polluted cities in the world. Discussions focused on the causes of air pollution, including fossil fuel use, industrial activities, waste burning, and transportation, and its severe impact on children, elderly citizens, and public health. Participants also explored practical steps for smog reduction and awareness-building at the community level.
Day 2 – Climate Change Awareness and Youth Action
Day 2 focused on building a deeper understanding of climate change. Mr. Ramis John facilitated a session on “Introduction to Climate Change”, followed by “Understanding Climate Change Issues and Their Solutions” by Mr. Usman Masih (Youth Member) and Mr. Ramis John.
Mrs. Ghazala Sarfraz (General Secretary, Lahore YMCA) delivered an insightful session on the importance of climate change for communities, its effects, and challenges. Participants then took part in a group activity titled “Youth Action: Planning a Climate Awareness Campaign”, where they developed ideas to reduce climate change impacts through awareness and action.
International experts from the Interfaith Cooperation Forum (ICF) joined the workshop online via Zoom, including Ms. Baiddio Manalasal (Program Officer, ICF & APAY) and Ms. Annika Denkmann (BftW Seconded Personnel / Project Officer, ICF & APAY). They shared global perspectives and interacted with participants, enriching the learning experience.
Day 3 – Clean and Green Environmental Action
On the final day, Lahore YMCA organized a Clean and Green Environment Activity, providing participants with hands-on learning opportunities. Youth took part in tree plantation activities, learning how to grow, water, and nurture plants, as well as street cleaning to promote a clean, green, and healthy environment.
The activity emphasized the responsibility of youth as citizens to actively protect and care for their environment. Additional individual activities and video documentary screenings on ecological crisis and climate change issues were conducted by facilitators Mr. Ramis John, Ms. Sania Ashiq, and Mr. Usman Masih to further enhance participants’ knowledge and understanding.
The workshop concluded with a Certification Distribution Ceremony, where certificates were awarded by Mr. Asghar Suleman (President, Lahore YMCA) and Mrs. Ghazala Sarfraz (General Secretary, Lahore YMCA).
Conclusion
The Three Day 2nd Workshop on Ecological Crisis and Climate Change Issues in Pakistan served as an impactful platform for youth learning, engagement, and action. It strengthened participants’ understanding of environmental challenges while inspiring them to become responsible and proactive citizens.
The success of the workshop reflects the strong collaboration between Lahore YMCA, ICF, and APAY, and highlights the vital role of youth in leading climate action and building a sustainable future for Pakistan.
Reported by:
Ramis John,
ICF Alumni,
Youth Coordinator,
Lahore YMCA.