As climate change intensifies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Pakistan face mounting pressure to adapt—both to survive and to thrive in an increasingly sustainability-driven global economy. In response, the Pakistan Tripartite Alliance for Just Transition (PYA-JT), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), successfully organized its two national awareness sessions on “Just Transition and Climate Change” in the month of October 2025, at Karachi and Lahore.
These full-day, action-oriented events (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) equipped Pakistani employers, business leaders, and supply chain partners with practical knowledge, tools, and strategies to integrate climate resilience, green compliance, and social equity into their operations—key pillars of a Just Transition.
Why This Mattered for Pakistani Businesses
With Pakistan among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change, businesses can no longer treat sustainability as optional. International buyers, investors, and regulators now demand transparent environmental performance, including greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, ESG alignment, and adherence to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For SMEs—which form the backbone of Pakistan’s economy—building capacity in these areas is essential to remain competitive in global supply chains and access green finance and carbon markets under frameworks like Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
What Participants Gained
Attendees left sessions equipped to:
- Assess climate risks and opportunities specific to their sector
- Implement GHG measurement and reporting practices aligned with international standards
- Develop sustainability action plans that enhance operational efficiency and market access
- Understand how Just Transition principles protect workers while driving innovation
- Leverage support mechanisms from government, development partners, and industry associations
Crucially, these session emphasized supply chain engagement—organizers encouraged companies to nominate at least one representative from their supplier network, recognizing that true resilience requires collaboration across value chains.
A Strategic Step Toward NDC 3.0 and Green Growth
This initiative directly supported Pakistan’s upcoming Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), which calls for private-sector leadership in achieving a 55% emissions reduction by 2035. By building SME capacity in climate-smart practices, MRV systems, and social protection integration, the EFP-ILO alliance helped lay the groundwork for scalable, inclusive climate action.
Strong Participation and Forward Momentum
Businesses committed to sustainable competitiveness, decent work, and climate resilience actively participated in the session. Representatives from textiles, agriculture, manufacturing, services, and finance sectors engaged in dynamic discussions, technical workshops, and peer-learning exchanges—all aimed at translating climate ambition into on-the-ground action.
These awareness sessions marked a significant milestone in advancing a fairer, greener, and more resilient Pakistan—one where businesses lead the way in turning climate challenges into opportunities for inclusive growth.