ISLAMABAD -UNS: The Punjab Social Protection Authority hosted the National Dialogue on Adaptive Social Protection ASP in collaboration with GIZ in Islamabad. The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, experts, and development practitioners, to discuss integrated solutions for addressing the challenges of climate change, disaster management, and social protection.
In her opening address, Vice Chairperson Punjab Social Protection Authority, Jahaan Ara Manzoor
Wattoo, emphasized the critical importance of resilience, inclusion, and dignity in the face of climate challenges. She highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
She passionately stated, ‘Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is here, disrupting lives,
livelihoods, and entire communities. As Pakistan faces immense challenges due to climate change
and disasters, it is imperative that PSPA leads the way, bringing stakeholders together to tackle
these pressing issues.’
Vice Chairperson, JahanAra Manzoor Wattoo acknowledged the critical support of partners
German Development Cooperation, the German Embassy and GIZ in advancing adaptive social
protection initiatives, noting the recent signing of a collaborative program with GIZ to address
these challenges effectively.
Former Federal Minister for Climate Change and present Chairperson / Convener of the Senate
Standing Committee on Climate Change & Environment Coordinator, Honorable Senator Sherry
Rehman, as the keynote speaker, she said, “It’s important to continue to invest in climate-resilient
infrastructure, to invest in alternative livelihoods, to empower women as the front line of defense
in creating resilience.”
In her address, she stressed the necessity of resilient infrastructure and community-cantered
solutions to withstand climate volatility. She advocated for vertical and horizontal collaboration
between federal and provincial governments, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions in
diverse regions. From addressing water scarcity to protecting agriculture and livestock-dependent
livelihoods, Rehman called for targeted strategies that account for local needs while ensuring
sustainability.
Ms. Johanna Knoess, head of Social Protection GIZ, speaking at the National Dialogue, she
highlighted that adaptive social protection bridges the gap between social safety nets, climate
change adaptation, and disaster risk management. “This concept goes beyond individual risks,
addressing collective challenges such as climate-induced disasters, stunting among children, and
regional disparities,” she stated. She also lauded the efforts of the Punjab Government and federal
entities in pioneering comprehensive social protection initiatives and establishing coordination
mechanisms.
Ms. Knoess shared significant milestones achieved under the Adaptive Social Protection Program,
which includes the notification of a Steering Committee by the Punjab Planning and Development
Board and the successful launch of the Inter-Provincial Social Protection Forum, which fosters
coordination and learning across provinces and federal levels. She assured that German
Development Cooperation, through GIZ, would continue its support by strengthening institutional
arrangements, advancing data systems, and promoting evidence-based policymaking to enhance
resilience and preparedness.
The event featured focused group work that addressed several critical areas, including
strengthening institutional and financial foundations for ASP in Pakistan, improving access to
social protection for women in Punjab, and enhancing the integration of social protection into
disaster management and climate adaptation strategies. These discussions led to actionable
recommendations for improving coordination and collaboration at both the federal and provincial
levels. The dialogue continued with two engaging panel discussions. The first, on “Climate Change
and Disasters,” and second panel focused on “Adaptive Social Protection,” featured distinguished
panelists.
Ms. Jo Moir, Director of Development at the British High Commission in Islamabad, highlighted
the rising poverty rate and the country’s vulnerability to climate change, which pose significant
challenges to its stability. She stressed the importance of coordination between federal and
provincial systems for effective social protection as well as need for data-driven solutions,
particularly the improvement of data-sharing mechanisms and the development of digital
platforms, to enhance targeting and efficiency in social protection initiatives.
The National Dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to developing concrete strategies that
will build resilience for vulnerable communities and enhance collaboration between federal and
provincial entities. PSPA expressed its sincere appreciation to all participants for their invaluable
contributions to shaping a sustainable and secure future for all.
