In a significant step towards fortifying the education sector against climate-related disasters, the Government of Punjab has launched the Provincial Guidelines on Climate-Resilient Schools. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Institute of Social and Policy Sciences (I-SAPS), was officially announced in Lahore by the Minister for School Education Department (SED) Punjab.
With climate change posing an increasing threat to education continuity worldwide, this initiative aims to equip schools with strategies to withstand and adapt to environmental challenges. As part of its pilot phase, 251 schools from five climate-vulnerable districts—Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, and Jhang—have been selected to lead this crucial transformation.
A core component of the initiative is capacity building at both the school and community levels. So far, 1,944 School Council members have been trained in climate resilience strategies, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity—854 of these members are women. This approach ensures that educational institutions and their surrounding communities actively contribute to creating sustainable and adaptive learning environments.
The initiative reflects a longstanding collaboration between the Government of Punjab and the FCDO, underscoring the need for institutionalized climate action within the education sector. By embedding climate resilience into public education policy, this effort sets a precedent for sustainable reforms that can help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on learning.
Pakistan’s education sector is among the most affected by climate-related disasters, ranking third after food and shelter security. The launch of the Provincial Guidelines on Climate-Resilient Schools is a proactive step towards integrating climate awareness into education, ensuring that future generations are better prepared to navigate the challenges posed by a changing climate.
Experts and policymakers emphasize that continued investment in climate resilience within education is essential to safeguarding learning opportunities for millions of students across Pakistan. This initiative not only highlights Punjab’s commitment to climate action but also serves as a model for other regions to follow in securing the future of education in the face of environmental uncertainties.