Karachi, November 29, 2025 —
The Aga Khan University’s Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD) convened Pakistan’s foremost architects, urban planners, public health experts, development leaders, and government officials to tackle one of the nation’s most urgent challenges: redesigning homes, neighbourhoods, and public systems to withstand accelerating climate risks.
Held in partnership with Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Pakistan and led by Professor Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Founding Director of IGHD, the Annual Conference on Climate Change and the Built Environment focused on the theme “Promoting Resilience & Adaptation in Low-Income Settings.” The event centred on evidence-driven solutions and innovative approaches for both urban and rural communities.
A statement by His Highness the Aga Khan underscored the gravity of the crisis, noting that climate change “intensifies disease, malnutrition, displacement, learning loss, and poverty,” disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups. He stressed that addressing these challenges “is imperative for equity, stability, and sustainable development,” and highlighted the essential role of partnerships across Pakistan and the global community.
The inaugural session was graced by Chief Guest His Excellency Tariq Khan, High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan, who emphasized Canada’s support in helping countries confront climate-driven vulnerabilities. A special virtual address by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal reinforced the urgency of climate action, stating that Pakistan’s future depends on how boldly it reimagines its cities, homes, and institutions.
“Building resilience is a national development priority,” he said. “Conferences like this help translate research into policies for safer, more inclusive, climate-adaptive environments.”
Keynote presentations by Professor Sajida Haider Vandal (THAAP), Christopher Burman and Joseph Augustine (UCL), and Dr Zahra Hussain (Laajverd) highlighted climate-smart architecture, indigenous design wisdom, and community-led adaptation strategies.
Addressing participants, AKU President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin reaffirmed the University’s commitment to advancing climate resilience. “Climate change is reshaping life across Pakistan,” he said. “AKU is dedicated to generating solutions and partnerships that support adaptation at scale.”
The opening day concluded with a roadmap for upcoming sessions, which will delve into rural adaptation models, resilient health systems, indigenous solutions, community innovations, and a high-level national policy dialogue to guide Pakistan’s climate-resilient future.
