Young Leaders Society co-hosted a landmark one-day conference with IIUI on February 26, 2025, bringing healthcare professionals, policymakers, and youth leaders together on climate-driven public health crises.
On February 26, 2025, Young Leaders Society, in collaboration with IIUI School, Khyber Campus, hosted a landmark one-day conference: "Climate, Health, and the Role of Medical Professionals." Healthcare experts, environmentalists, policymakers, and youth leaders converged to examine the critical intersection between climate change and public health — an intersection that is reshaping disease patterns across Pakistan.
The first panel, moderated by Fatima Faraz (President, YLS KPK Region), opened with sharp clarity. Tabish Hamid, President of Young Leaders Society, emphasised the power of youth advocacy in driving climate-resilient health policy. Journalist and filmmaker Jamaima Afridi stressed media's role in amplifying the voices of marginalised communities affected by climate-related health disparities.
Marukh Zahir, an educationist and tribal representative, brought indigenous perspectives to the table — demonstrating how traditional knowledge complements modern climate adaptation strategies. Dr. Habib from the Environmental Protection Agency rounded out the panel by addressing critical policy gaps in Pakistan's environmental health regulations.
The second panel, moderated by Dr. Ayesha Khan, focused on practical challenges. Dr. Saad Ahmed (public health specialist) warned of rising vector-borne diseases — dengue and malaria — linked to shifting weather patterns. Dr. Rabia Shah (climate and health researcher) presented alarming data on heatstroke mortality, calling for stronger emergency response infrastructure.
Dr. Imran Yousaf (emergency medicine consultant) shared frontline experiences, arguing passionately for disaster-ready medical training programmes to prepare Pakistan's healthcare workers for the increasingly frequent climate crises they face.
Dr. Asad Malik, WHO Representative, delivered the keynote address, challenging medical professionals to view climate action as part of their ethical duty to patients. He proposed concrete actions:
His address left attendees with both a sense of urgency and a clear roadmap.
Young Leaders Society announced plans to:
This conference was not a conclusion — it was a starting point for a sustained movement to protect public health in Pakistan's era of climate crisis.