Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Masood Malik led Pakistan’s participation at the Arctic Circle Rome Forum during his official visit to Italy from March 2–5, 2026.
Delivering Pakistan’s national statement titled “View from Pakistan: Climate & Poles”, the Minister highlighted the country’s vulnerability to the devastating impacts of melting glaciers, rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
He also spoke at a panel discussion on “Science Diplomacy for Third Pole”, emphasizing science-based cooperation, climate justice and stronger linkages between research institutions and policymakers to address shared environmental risks. The Minister participated in the Polar Dialogue and high-level deliberations at the National Research Council of Italy.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Embassy facilitated bilateral meetings with several international leaders, including Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of Arctic Circle; Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Chair of Polar Dialogue; Vivian Motzfeldt; Mona Fortier; Eivind Vad Petersson; and Marie Anne Coninsx.
Minister Malik also met Anna Maria Bernini and Marco Rusconi of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.
A high-level academic interaction was organized at Sapienza University of Rome, Italy’s largest public university, where discussions were held with Prof. Giuseppe Ciccarone and Prof. Rodolfo Negri on potential academic linkages and research collaboration. The Minister also visited research facilities and explored opportunities for cooperation with Pakistani institutions.
During his engagements, he proposed initiatives including a Virtual Green University to connect researchers and innovators, a Climate Risk Capital Fund to support climate-tech startups, and the concept of Green Intellectual Property to ensure equitable access to climate innovation.
He also participated in a discussion hosted by Andrea Lenzi at the Italian National Research Center, interacting with leading scientists on biodiversity, cryosphere studies and environmental sustainability.
Minister Malik gave a media briefing to Sky TG24, outlining Pakistan’s climate diplomacy priorities and calling for enhanced global cooperation to address the cascading impacts of climate change.
In recognition of Pakistan’s participation the first under a special invitation the country has been extended an extraordinary invitation to serve as a keynote speaker at the upcoming Arctic Circle Assembly, scheduled for October 8–10, 2026 in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Officials said the comprehensive engagements were coordinated by the Embassy, strengthening Pakistan’s international climate profile among policymakers, researchers, academia and media representatives.
