UNESCO Mission Strengthens Climate Resilience and Disaster Preparedness in Sindh
From February 11–14 2026, the UNESCO team in Pakistan (represented by Mr. Syed Muhammad Raza Shah, National Professional Officer for Natural Sciences and Ms. Ghazala Naeem, UNESCO DRR Expert) conducted a mission to Karachi in Sindh province, aimed at strengthening climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and science-driven collaboration, coinciding with the Asia-Pacific Shelter and Settlements Forum (APSSF) 2026. The forum brought together regional governments, development agencies, humanitarian organizations, and technical experts to discuss climate-induced hazards, sustainable housing, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and the role of science and technology in building resilient communities. For Pakistan, a country highly vulnerable to floods and other climate-related disasters, APSSF provided a timely platform to examine institutional challenges, coordination gaps, and opportunities for integrating science, governance, and communication systems.
During the mission, UNESCO engaged with a wide range of stakeholders to explore collaboration under its programs, including the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and STEM-related initiatives. On February 11th, a meeting with Mr. Riaz Ahmed Wagan, Chief Conservator of Forests, Sindh, focused on the potential nomination of the Indus Delta as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The discussions provided a detailed overview of the MAB nomination process, including eligibility criteria, zonation, governance structures, stakeholder consultations, and documentation standards. UNESCO emphasized the importance of a strong scientific rationale, interdepartmental coordination, and meaningful community engagement to ensure that the nomination is credible, sustainable, and aligned with global standards.
Participation in the APSSF opening and technical sessions on February 12th allowed the UNESCO team to observe high-level policy discussions on climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable settlements. The sessions highlighted regional innovations and cross-sectoral strategies to enhance community-centered resilience.