High Commissioner Jane Marriott announces significant increase in UK investment in Pakistan to address climate change
Celina Ali
Islamabad: British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott this week announced a significant increase in the United Kingdom’s investment in Pakistan, specifically aimed at addressing climate change issues.
This announcement was made during an event in Islamabad commemorating the 76th birthday of King Charles. The commitment involves doubling the UK’s financial support to assist Pakistan in tackling climate change, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting adaptation strategies.
The announcement aligns with the UK’s broader advocacy for a ‘Loss and Damage’ fund, a cause championed at COP 28, designed to aid countries vulnerable to climate-related challenges. During the event, attendees were treated to a captivating performance by the Artillery Company band, known for its historical significance as the oldest regiment in the British Army, established by King Henry VIII in 1537.
Despite King Charles’ traditional music preferences, he approved the band’s modern cover version of ‘Pasoori,’ injecting a touch of humor into the proceedings. The overarching theme of the evening centered around environmental sustainability and climate change, reflecting King Charles’ 50-year commitment to these causes.
High Commissioner Jane Marriott emphasized the urgency of addressing climate vulnerabilities in Pakistan, particularly in the aftermath of devastating floods that affected a third of the country and impacted approximately 33 million people last year. The susceptibility of Pakistan to climate-related challenges was underscored, prompting the UK to advocate for a more substantial, greener, and fairer international financial response to climate change.
As part of the announced collaboration, the UK will work with the Global System for Mobile Communications to expand an AI-based ‘Early Warning Forest Fire Detection System’ project. This expansion aims to cover more areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the Federal Capital Territory, with the goal of minimizing the risk of forest fires and safeguarding lives and biodiversity in Pakistan.
High Commissioner Jane Marriott also highlighted various collaborative initiatives, including the expansion of the Chevening scholarship program through new private partnerships and the establishment of the online ‘Pakistan Museum of Food’ in collaboration with Google and the Save and Observe Children’s Health (SOCH) Foundation.
Acknowledging these collaborative efforts, Ms. Marriott expressed gratitude to the dedicated team led by Russ McPartland, supported by the High Commission and British Council teams, for organizing the event.
