Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, on Friday emphasized the pivotal role of public-private collaboration in addressing Pakistan’s climate challenges while attending the launch ceremony of the Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) Pakistan in Islamabad.
Speaking to an audience of government officials, private sector leaders, and development partners, Dr. Malik underscored the urgency of mobilizing investment and implementing innovative, bankable solutions to accelerate the country’s transition toward low-carbon and climate-resilient development.
Dr. Malik highlighted that startups, youth led enterprises, and established businesses must be actively engaged in designing projects that not only mitigate environmental risks but also create sustainable economic opportunities.
“Pakistan faces complex climate challenges, and public-private partnerships are essential to unlock resources, technical expertise, and innovation that can transform these challenges into opportunities for growth,” the minister added.
The Federal Minister lauded CFA Pakistan as a practical and strategic platform that bridges the gap between promising climate projects and investors.
The UK-funded initiative provides technical assistance to improve project bankability, financial structuring, and inclusive implementation, ensuring that businesses are prepared to attract investment.
Since its inception in 2022, CFA Pakistan has supported 22 projects across sectors such as renewable energy, transport, waste management, and agriculture, mobilizing nearly US$40 million in investment.
Dr. Malik emphasized the importance of youth participation, urging young innovators to leverage CFA’s mentorship and capacity building support to bring forward climate solutions.
“Our youth hold the key to sustainable development,” he said. “With guidance, technical expertise, and access to investment networks, their ideas can be converted into tangible projects that benefit communities nationwide.”
During his address, Dr. Malik also highlighted the broader strategic importance of climate finance in Pakistan’s development framework.
He stressed that accelerating investment in low carbon and climate resilient projects is critical to achieving both environmental and economic objectives, while also positioning Pakistan as a responsible actor in the global climate agenda.
Sam Waldock, Development Director at the British High Commission Islamabad, reinforced the minister’s message, highlighting the significance of private sector engagement in bridging Pakistan’s climate financing gap.
Arsalon Ali Faheem, Country Director of DAI Pakistan, described CFA Pakistan as a deal oriented programme designed to enhance the bankability and appeal of climate projects, providing selected initiatives with tailored technical assistance and access to investors, culminating in a showcase event in October 2026.
The launch also formally opened CFA Pakistan’s latest Call for Proposals, inviting businesses with at least three years of operational experience and a minimum investment requirement of US$4 million to apply.
Priority sectors include energy, transport, industry, waste management, agriculture, forestry, and other land use.
Selected projects will receive five months of pro bono support, including guidance on financial structuring, gender and social inclusion, and investment readiness.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Malik called on all stakeholders, government, private sector, and development partners to collaborate strategically to address climate risks while fostering sustainable economic growth.
“With coordinated action and innovative solutions, Pakistan can turn climate challenges into opportunities for communities and the nation at large,” he said.
The Climate Finance Accelerator is funded by the UK Government through the International Climate Finance programme and implemented in Pakistan by DAI, with global delivery by PwC UK.