Islamabad (TDI): Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that the effects of climate change are being felt worldwide, and meeting the challenge requires collective action and international cooperation.
He noted that climate change is disrupting economies and directly impacting people’s daily lives, making global solidarity and practical measures essential. Gilani made these remarks while meeting an eight-member student delegation from Italy’s Duopassi Foundation at Parliament House.
Highlighting Pakistan’s demographic strength, the Chairman said that nearly 60 percent of the country’s population consists of young people, and it is this generation, along with institutions, that must lead the way in confronting contemporary challenges.
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He also underscored the role of overseas Pakistanis in strengthening the economy and stressed the need to harness modern technology for solutions. Recalling his official visit to Italy as Prime Minister, Gilani said he was briefed on Italy’s efforts to preserve cultural heritage and, in turn, shared with his counterpart the historical and cultural richness of Multan.
He reaffirmed that empowering women and minorities has always been a priority for him, paying tribute to former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto for her pioneering legislation on women’s rights, and acknowledging the contributions of former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and former speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza.
On Pakistan’s potential, Gilani said the country offered vast opportunities for investment, particularly in health and education, sectors close to his heart given his family’s legacy of service in these areas. He noted that efforts to improve healthcare and literacy had been made in the past and continue today.
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Duopassi Foundation CEO briefed the Chairman on the organization’s work in health, education, pharmaceuticals and climate change. She said the foundation has partnered with 17 international universities and is consulting with a U.S.-based company on climate-related challenges. The foundation has also launched projects aimed at eliminating dengue, with a 15-year plan to eradicate the disease.
She stressed that international funding is critical to addressing global issues and urged developed countries to step up. She further informed that a global caucus has been formed to focus on health, education, and climate change.
Chairman Gilani assured the delegation of the Senate’s support, noting that parliamentary committees on health, education, finance and commerce are actively engaged in legislation and practical initiatives. He invited the Foundation to work closely with these committees.
Advisor to the Chairman Senate, Misbah Khar, briefed the delegation on the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), a new platform of parliamentary speakers from 45 countries.
She noted that Gilani was unanimously elected as the ISC’s first president in Malaysia, reflecting Pakistan’s leadership in parliamentary diplomacy.
She announced that the next ISC session will take place in Islamabad in November 2025, bringing together parliamentary leaders to deliberate on peace, multilateral cooperation and sustainable development, while charting strategies on climate change, regional stability and prosperity.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
