Punjab CM invited to address world leaders, Nobel family representatives and global scientists at Hong Kong summit
ZUBAIR QURESHI
ISLAMABAD
The Nobel Sustainability Trust (NST), an independent foundation established in Switzerland by members of the Nobel family, has formally recognised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for her efforts to promote climate resilience, forest restoration, wildlife conservation, environmental protection and air quality management through technology-driven governance.
The recognition also acknowledges Punjab’s growing reliance on digital monitoring, environmental data, real-time surveillance and technology-enabled enforcement to tackle smog and air pollution and strengthen forest and wildlife conservation.
NST Chairman Peter Nobel, in an official communication to the chief minister, highlighted Punjab’s move towards data-driven and technology-enabled environmental governance, describing it as an emerging model with relevance to international sustainability efforts.
Under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz, Punjab has expanded the use of environmental data, digital monitoring and modern enforcement mechanisms to improve air quality and respond to smog and pollution.
These systems are designed to monitor air pollution, identify major emission sources, assess environmental risks and facilitate timely responses to deteriorating air quality. Technology is also being used to improve coordination among government departments and enhance public awareness about environmental hazards.
The province’s digital approach to smog management seeks to make air-quality governance more accurate, transparent, responsive and evidence-based while supporting longer-term measures to reduce pollution.
Technology is similarly being incorporated into Punjab’s forest and wildlife conservation programmes. Digital systems, remote monitoring, modern surveillance and data-based management are being used to strengthen forest protection and restoration, monitor natural resources, protect biodiversity and combat illegal activities affecting forests and wildlife.
The integration of technology into conservation is intended to make environmental management more responsive and evidence-based and to link forest restoration and wildlife protection with the province’s broader climate resilience agenda.
The NST brings together government leaders, scientists, international organisations, business executives, philanthropists and innovators to promote sustainable development and address major environmental challenges.
As part of the recognition, Maryam Nawaz has been invited to attend and address the NST Award Gala and Summit 2026 in Hong Kong, which is expected to bring together world leaders, representatives of the Nobel family, global scientists, sustainability experts, policymakers, international organisations, business leaders and innovators.
Her participation would provide Punjab with an international platform to present its experience of using technology and innovation for climate resilience, air quality improvement, smog management, forest restoration, wildlife protection and modern environmental governance.
The recognition places Punjab’s initiatives within the wider global debate on sustainable development, climate action, biodiversity conservation and technological innovation.
Punjab’s emerging environmental strategy increasingly connects climate governance, air-quality management, digital smog monitoring, forest restoration, wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection.
The NST recognition is therefore being viewed as an opportunity for the province to showcase its technology-driven environmental governance model and share its experience with the international sustainability community at the Hong Kong summit.
