LAHORE: Addressing audiences on day two of ThinkFest 2026 at the Alhamra Arts Council, Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik delivered a forceful message, portraying climate change as a crisis rooted not only in environmental damage but in global inequity and weak international resolve.
Speaking during a session titled “From Lab to World Stage: The Power of Science Diplomacy,” Malik stressed that science and power are deeply interconnected. He argued that the traditional model of siloed scientific work is no longer sufficient, advocating instead for a new era of cross-border scientific cooperation.
In his view, science diplomacy offers a rare platform where nations can collaborate beyond political differences through shared knowledge and collective research.
“Science speaks a language everyone understands,” Malik remarked, underscoring its ability to unite countries around common challenges. He highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate impacts despite contributing less than one percent to global emissions, emphasizing that international scientific partnerships are essential for the country’s resilience and survival.
Malik also drew attention to the imbalance between economic gain and environmental damage on a global scale. He criticized the reality that nations responsible for the highest emissions often face the fewest consequences, while poorer countries bear the brunt of climate-related disasters. Calling for an international accountability framework, he argued that major polluters must shoulder greater financial responsibility. “It cannot be justified that profits remain concentrated while climate losses are shared by the world’s most vulnerable,” he said.
The address struck a chord with attendees, reinforcing Pakistan’s stance as a vocal advocate for climate justice and pressing for a global shift toward policies shaped by scientific evidence and ethical responsibility.
