Recognizing Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, Hubert H. Humphrey fellow Riffat Inam Butt organized a conference titled ‘Navigating Climate Governance’ on June 8 at the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The session aimed to shed light on the complexities of climate change and underscore the crucial role of governance in mitigating its effects.
From food security to extreme weather conditions, climate change and its far-reaching implications are some of the biggest challenges faced by the world today. For this conference, Butt brought together a diverse group of experts, policymakers, and concerned individuals who shared knowledge and explored innovative strategies to tackle climate change effectively.
Keynote speaker Dr. Adil Najam stressed Pakistan’s global responsibility in climate action, urging a shift towards environmental stewardship at all levels. The talks underscored the judiciary’s role in climate justice, and Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Senior Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, called for robust climate jurisprudence.
Butt, who is the first woman to serve as the Secretary of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP), attended the University of Minnesota on a Humphrey fellowship in 2009.