High Commissioner Jane Marriott leads groundbreaking climate initiative in Pakistan

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Known for her resilience in some of the world’s most dangerous hotspots, Jane Marriott, the UK High Commissioner to Pakistan, has unveiled a transformative climate finance programme aimed at helping Pakistan transition to a low-carbon economy.

Doncaster-born Marriott, 48, who has braved embassy sieges and terrorist threats during her distinguished diplomatic career, now considers climate change the most critical challenge humanity faces.

“It’s the defining issue of our time,” Marriott said in an interview. “The devastating floods of 2022 in Pakistan submerged a third of the country, killing over 1,700 people and leaving millions homeless. This crisis underlines how urgent the need for action is.”

The initiative, a pioneering £108 million collaboration between the UK government and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is designed to support local businesses in adopting innovative technologies and sustainable practices. The programme’s goal is to address Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate threats, with Marriott emphasizing that without urgent action, the country could suffer a staggering $1.2 trillion economic loss by 2050.

Marriott’s career has taken her to volatile regions, including Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and Yemen, where she once topped an Al-Qaeda hit list. Yet she insists the global climate crisis dwarfs the immediate dangers she has faced.

“When you’re caught in a security incident, the fear is intense but fleeting. Climate change, however, threatens billions of lives, economies, and ecosystems. If we don’t act now, the consequences will be catastrophic,” she warned.

Her tenure in Pakistan has further solidified her resolve. “This country has so much to offer,” she noted. “With over 1.6 million Brits of Pakistani heritage, our nations share a deep bond. Strengthening trade and tourism while combating climate challenges is a priority for both our futures.”

Marriott is not just a climate advocate; she is a trailblazer in modern diplomacy. As the UK’s first female High Commissioner to Pakistan, she champions women’s rights in a country grappling with gender inequality and forced marriages. Her journey reflects the changing face of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), where women now lead 41% of UK missions worldwide.

Recalling her early days in diplomacy, Marriott shared, “I was often the only woman in the room. Expectations were low, but I proved my worth through action, whether in negotiations or crisis situations.”

Her mettle was tested in 2011 when protestors stormed the British Embassy in Tehran. “Evacuating amidst chaos felt like something out of a movie,” she recounted. “But those moments teach you the importance of staying calm under pressure.”

Marriott’s vision for climate action is rooted in collaboration. “The UK is committed to sharing expertise to drive green growth globally,” she said. “This programme in Pakistan represents a shared effort to secure a liveable planet for future generations.”

Her candid approach and steadfast commitment have inspired many, not least her parents in Doncaster. Reflecting on their initial concerns about her career, she joked, “When I told my dad I was headed to Iraq instead of Vienna, he dropped the phone. But they’ve come to appreciate that this job allows me to make a real difference.”

As Marriott continues her mission in Pakistan, she remains focused on addressing the dual challenges of climate change and fostering stronger UK-Pakistan ties. “This is more than diplomacy,” she said. “It’s about ensuring a sustainable future for everyone.”