Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz thanks Valerie Hickey for her kind words and expresses her ambition to make Punjab not just a regional but a global example of environmental progress
LAHORE: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-Nov 12nd, 2025) Valerie Hickey, the Global Director of the World Bank’s Environmental Change Group, has lauded Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, calling her a "Climate Change Warrior" and a "Climate Leader."
During a meeting with the Chief Minister, Valerie Hickey stated, "Maryam Nawaz Sharif has emerged as a 'Climate Change Warrior' from South Asia." She went on to extend an invitation to the Punjab government to join the global environmental market, offering support for future collaborations.
The meeting between Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Valerie Hickey focused on environmental improvement projects, with the World Bank offering substantial assistance. Hickey expressed the World Bank’s readiness to cooperate on initiatives related to cleaner Punjab, air quality, transport, forests, and wildlife.
"Environmental improvement projects in Punjab have become a symbol of global recognition and commitment. As a female Chief Minister, you have set an example of determination and creativity in the environmental sector, and this is something to celebrate," Hickey said.
The discussion also touched on various initiatives led by Maryam Nawaz in Punjab, with Valerie Hickey praising the Chief Minister's dedication to environmental issues. Hickey specifically highlighted one of Maryam Nawaz's statements from a recent speech: "COP 30 should not merely be remembered as a forum for expressions of opinion but as a commitment to resolve global environmental challenges. You are right in saying that the Global South is not protesting; it is raising a purposeful voice."
Hickey further added, "I completely agree with your statement that environmental improvement is not charity but justice." She acknowledged the impressive environmental projects in Punjab and praised the provincial government’s proactive approach to environmental improvements, stating that they deserve recognition.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz thanked Valerie Hickey for her kind words and expressed her ambition to make Punjab not just a regional but a global example of environmental progress.
Valerie Hickey also accepted an invitation to visit Punjab.
The meeting was also attended by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Ministers Rana Sikandar and Zeeshan Rafiq, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Chairman of P&D Naeem Rauf and DG EPA Imran Hameed.
