Islamabad, 23 September 2019 — Minister of State for Climate Change, UNDP and students of Behbud Complex School, Saidpur village, celebrated the Social Good Summit with a tree plantation drive and distributing reusable bags to the general public in market spaces in Islamabad, today.

The Social Good Summit (SGS) was launched ten years ago by Mashable, United Nations Foundation, 92nd Street Y, and the United Nations Development Programme, for the purpose of bringing together global thought leaders, new media and technology experts, grassroots activists, and influential voices from around the globe for constructive dialogue and on-stage activations. This year, the 10^th Annual SGS, the focus is on catastrophic effect of climate change, and galvanizing efforts to save our planet. 

Present at the tree plantation drive was the Chief guest and Minister of State, Ms. Zartaj Gul of Ministry of Climate Change Pakistan, Mr. Ignacio Artaza, Resident Representative a.i., UNDP Pakistan, and Ms. Samina Baig, Goodwill Ambassador UNDP Pakistan. Saplings provided to the students by UNDP, who planted them in their school’s ground enthusiastically. The students also took an oath to care for the saplings they planted. 

While planting the sapling with the students, Mr. Ignacio Artaza, Resident Representative a.i., UNDP Pakistan said, “Pakistan is amongst the top 8 countries suffering from the impact of climate change. UNDP wants to invite young people to take action to address climate change. Progress to overcome climate change can only take place when we all get involved.”

Ms. Zartaj Gul, Minister of State, at Ministry of Climate Change said at the occasion, “This is a good UNDP initiative. Students are great agent of change. If you love Pakistan, keep Pakistan clean and green and plant a tree.” The students were thrilled to interact with Ms. Samina Baig who relegated them with her tales of mountaineering. She said, “We all should contribute to the environment, and tree plantation is important for our future. I am happy to be part of this initiative by UNDP.”

The tree plantation drive was followed by distribution of reusable bags amongst the students. The students then joined the UNDP team in distributing the bags to the general public in market spaces in Islamabad. 

For additional information, please contact Ayesha Babar at ayesha.babar@undp.org or +92 (51) 835 5650