Press Release
Pakistan Water Partnership and GCISC Hold 2nd National Consultation Workshop on SDG 6.6.1
The Pakistan Water Partnership (PWP) in collaboration with the Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC) successfully organized the 2nd Country Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on SDG Indicator 6.6.1 (Change in Water-Related Ecosystems) in Islamabad. The workshop brought together representatives from government institutions, academia, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to deliberate on strategies for protecting and restoring Pakistan’s freshwater ecosystems.
The consultation is part of the Pakistan SDG 6.6.1 Project (2024–2026) supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) through UNEP-DHI and implemented by the Global Water Partnership (GWP) network. The project aims to support Pakistan in aligning national commitments with SDG 6.6, strengthening governance, policy integration, and data-driven decision-making to safeguard freshwater ecosystems.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Muhammad Awais, Country Director, Pakistan Water Partnership, highlighted the significance of collective action and stakeholder engagement. He stated that the workshop provided an important platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and identifying practical response strategies for the protection and restoration of Pakistan’s freshwater ecosystems.
Mr. Ahmed Kamal, water expert and former Chairman of the Federal Flood Commission, appreciated the initiative and emphasized the importance of integrated water resources management and improved data systems to support effective policy decisions. He noted that collaboration among national institutions and experts is essential to ensure the sustainable management of Pakistan’s water resources.
Mr. Arif Goheer, Executive Director of the Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC), who officially opened the workshop, reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and strengthening climate-resilient water management. He emphasized that multi-stakeholder consultations are vital for aligning national policies with global sustainability targets and ensuring the long-term protection of freshwater ecosystems.
The workshop presented key findings from the first consultation held earlier, while participants discussed potential response strategies, governance improvements, and institutional coordination mechanisms required to accelerate progress towards SDG 6.6.1. The recommendations gathered during the workshop will contribute to the development of a Country Implementation Roadmap, outlining priority actions, timelines, and stakeholder roles.
The consultation concluded with strong stakeholder support for enhanced cooperation and coordinated national efforts to protect Pakistan’s freshwater ecosystems and ensure sustainable water resources management for future generations.
