ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Federal Minister for Climate Change Zahid Hamid Tuesday stressed the importance of innovation in clean technology in mitigating harmful impacts of climate change.
He said this while addressing an award distribution ceremony organized by Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
The ceremony was attended by more than 250 high ranking officials and dignitaries, Ambassadors, international donor agencies, Rectors and Vice Chancellors of Universities, Representatives from government institutions including allied departments of MoCC, representatives from Industries, Investors, Ministry of Industries and production, Climate Change Division, Chambers of Commerce and industry and private sector stakeholders and GEF cell.
The minister handed over prizes to five winners in a graceful ceremony and appreciated role of UNIDO and its partners in arranging this competition to foster cleantech startups and introduce viable solutions to the current energy crisis in Pakistan.
He reiterated his ministry’s continued support to this endeavor.
During third cycle of the programme this year, the GCIP supported Eighty Two SMEs and Startups in Pakistan through a comprehensive programme of extensive mentoring, training, access to investors and showcasing opportunities.
Winners received awards ranging from US$ 20,000 (National Winner) to US$ 15,000 (4 Runner-up Prizes), including a prize for the most promising woman-led business.
As part of the package, all winners would receive a funded opportunity of mentorship and training during their exposure visit of Silicon Valley, USA.
The Chairman of PCST Professor Dr. Anwar ul Hassan Gilani highlighted the role of the PCST in supporting entrepreneurship in the country particularly in clean technologies to ensure sustainability of the ongoing initiatives.
He also reiterated possible role of the PCST as hub of activities of National Cleantech Platform of UNIDO.
At this occasion, Project Manager from UNIDO HQ Alois Mhlanga highlighted the significance of innovations in Clean Technologies and appreciated the achievements of the GCIP in Pakistan.
He launched National Cleantech Platform (NCTP) of Pakistan to promote clean technology innovations and competitiveness in the SMEs in Pakistan to deliver global environmental benefits.
He shared that during last three cycles of the call for awards, GCIP Pakistan had mobilized public and private sector along with academia and civil society which could play a vital role in ensuring sustainability of the initiative through national institutions.
The NCTP would comprise of federal, provincial and regional chapters with a diverse group of members committed to promote cleantech innovations in Pakistan in their respective fields.
The UNIDO representative to Pakistan Esam Alqararah shared UNIDO’s vision on energy and environment and the efforts UNIDO in promoting renewable energy and clean technologies in Pakistan.
Alqararah pinpointed the importance of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the development of the country.
He reiterated UNIDO’s commitment to further strengthen the cooperation with the Ministry of Climate Change.
