ISLAMABAD
Ahmad Assal, a student at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), has represented Pakistani youth as a Youth Delegate at the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), held in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.
Hailing from District Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ahmad Assal also serves as Vice President of the Global Front for Biodiversity. He participated in the international conference, which took place from October 19 to 30, 2026, under the theme “Taking Action for Nature”.
The conference brought together government representatives, environmental experts, researchers, civil society organisations and young leaders from across the world to discuss global biodiversity challenges and explore strategies for nature conservation.
Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Ahmad Assal emphasised that biodiversity conservation and environmental protection had become shared global responsibilities, particularly as climate change continued to pose serious challenges to vulnerable countries.
“Pakistan is among the countries most severely affected by climate change, making environmental protection and biodiversity conservation particularly important for us. Sustainable solutions cannot be achieved without meaningful involvement of young people in environmental policymaking,” he said.
He highlighted Pakistan’s rich natural resources and diverse ecosystems, ranging from its northern mountain ranges to its coastal regions, which provide habitats for numerous rare and valuable species.
However, he cautioned that deforestation, pollution and climate change were increasingly threatening the country’s natural heritage. He said his participation in COP17 was aimed at effectively conveying the concerns, perspectives and aspirations of Pakistani youth to the international community and global policymakers.
Ahmad Assal stressed the need for coordinated efforts by the government, educational institutions, civil society and young people to translate environmental commitments into practical measures for biodiversity conservation.
He particularly highlighted the importance of protecting forests and natural ecosystems in mountainous regions, including his native Buner, saying that safeguarding these resources was directly linked to the well-being and future of coming generations.
Describing his participation in the global conference as an honour, Ahmad Assal said he would utilise the experience and international exposure to raise environmental awareness among Pakistani youth and encourage greater public engagement in protecting the country’s natural resources and biodiversity.
