06 June 2024 – Islamabad: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Pakistan and the Embassy of Italy formally signed the agreement for the project “Water for Development (W4D): Support to mountain sustainable development and adaptation policies”. The project will be implemented in Gilgit-Baltistan and aims at supporting local communities in increasing their adaptation and resilience to climate change.

Gilgit Baltistan serves as major source of water for Pakistan while also presenting scenic views and magnificent mountains that make the region attractive to national and international tourists. However, limited drinking water availability due to accessibility issues, a lack of facilities for livestock management, and of livelihood opportunities pose barriers to the already vulnerable communities living in Gilgit Baltistan. Speaking at the signing ceremony, 

In her remarks, H.E. Marilina Armellin, Ambassador of Italy emphasized that ‘Community resilience is a key component of sustainable development for the vulnerable communities residing in remote mountainous regions of Pakistan. The proposed interventions will improve the living and economic conditions of the local communities through service delivery and better livelihood opportunities’. 

Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative of UNDP in Pakistan shared that ‘UNDP is committed to strengthening the capabilities of such communities to reduce their vulnerability to the impacts of climate change’.