LocationsPakistan Gender Climate Award 2026 Celebrates Women Leading Climate Action
June 5, 2026
Islamabad, 3 June 2026: The fourth edition of the Pakistan Gender Climate Award (GCA) culminated in an awards ceremony at Serena Hotel, Islamabad, recognizing two exceptional women leaders for their contributions to climate action and environmental stewardship. The 2026 edition attracted a record 352 applications from across Pakistan, reflecting the growing momentum of women-led climate initiatives nationwide.
Established by the Embassy of France in 2023, the Pakistan Gender Climate Award celebrates women whose leadership, innovation, and commitment are helping communities confront climate challenges, strengthen resilience, and advance sustainable development. Since its inception, the initiative has recognized ten women climate champions, providing visibility, support, and inspiration for women driving climate solutions across the country.
The 2026 Gender Climate Award was presented to Dr. Zillay Mariam Sohail for her pioneering work in transforming waste into sustainable value chains and promoting circular economy solutions, and to Ms. Songul Jamal for her leadership in marine ecosystem conservation and environmental awareness among coastal communities. Each awardee received a cash prize of PKR 1 million in recognition of their achievements and impact.
Dr. Zillay Mariam Sohail receiving her award.
Ms. Songul Jamal receiving her award.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished representatives from government, development partners, civil society, academia, media, and the diplomatic community.
In her Opening keynote, Senator Sherry Rehman highlighted the critical role of women in addressing climate challenges and advancing resilient development pathways. She pointed out that “Women are not only effected by climate change but also play a key role in responding to it and despite social and economic challenges lead emergency response and recovery efforts to drive positive change.”
Senator Sherry Rehman delivering remarks at the ceremony.
Federal Secretary for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Aisha Moriani, delivered the closing keynote and commended the Embassy of France and partner organizations for championing women's leadership in climate action. She stated that “The role of women is very visible in society. Women are participating very actively to address the integrated challenges of climate change and are not just facing the impact but are part of the solution.”
The event featured two panel discussions exploring opportunities, challenges, and pathways for strengthening women's participation in climate leadership and decision-making across Pakistan. The discussions were moderated by Amb. Nadeem Riyaz, and Ms. Arifa Noor, senior journalist at Dawn.
In his inaugural address, H.E. Nicolas Galey, Ambassador of France to Pakistan, emphasized the importance of recognizing and investing in women as agents of climate resilience and sustainable development. He stated that “France’s foreign policy set at the fore front of its action both the promotion of gender equality and climate action. We were one of the first countries to enact a feminist diplomacy in 2019. Our 2025/2030 strategy of feminist diplomacy clearly acknowledges that climate change and related disasters disproportionately affect women.”
Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan, underscored the need for inclusive and equitable climate action. He stated that "The women we honor today already know the data, the impact, the statistics, and certainly know the differentiated toll climate change and environmental degradation has on women and girls and the community at the large. In fact, they have already taken action."
UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative Dr. Samuel Rizk addressing the audience at the awards ceremony.
The Pakistan Gender Climate Award is supported by the Embassy of France, the French Development Agency (AFD), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), UN Women, and the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), and is implemented by the Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change (CSCCC).
Speaking on behalf of AFD, Ouafae Sanaes stated “Women are key actors of change and climate solutions. AFD is engaged in empowering women and girls and promoting climate justice in Pakistan”.
Mr. Khurram Shahzad from PPAF highlighted the importance of locally led resilience-building stating “When women lead locally grounded solutions, development becomes more inclusive, equitable, and effective in delivering lasting climate resilience.”
Speaking on behalf of Deputy Country Representative, UN Women, Fahmida Khan, it was pointed out that, “Climate resilience and gender equality are not parallel agendas; they are inseparable imperatives. Investing in women is one of the most powerful strategies for building a climate-resilient future for all."
Mashal Arbab from the Aga Khan Foundation highlighted the importance of the role of women in building resilience.
In her remarks Aisha Khan (CSCCC) said, “As climate risks continue to intensify, the Pakistan Gender Climate Award serves as an important platform for amplifying the voices of women and inspiring a new generation of changemakers working towards a more resilient and sustainable future”.
All GCA partners reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Gender Climate Award platform as a means of expanding women's inclusion, recognizing their agency, and celebrating their contributions to climate action and sustainable development across Pakistan.
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