In a world grappling with the impacts of climate change, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) remains at the forefront of addressing global challenges.
Recently, the 78th UNGA session has taken up the critical task of reviewing the implementation of its 2022 resolution, which called for support to Pakistan following the catastrophic floods that ravaged the nation. This article delves into the aftermath of the floods, the ongoing efforts to aid Pakistan’s recovery, and the distinguished role of Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary in the upcoming United Nations General Assembly Science Summit.
The 2022 Devastating Floods in Pakistan
The devastating floods that struck Pakistan in 2022 were a grim reminder of the consequences of climate change. These deluges, attributed to the changing climate patterns, submerged one-third of Pakistan, resulting in a tragic loss of more than 1,700 lives. The catastrophe affected approximately 33 million people and inflicted staggering economic losses amounting to $30 billion. Moreover, the floods plunged millions into poverty, with the national poverty rate expected to rise by 4 percent, according to Pakistan’s post-disaster assessment report.
A Global Call to Action
Recognizing the severity of the crisis, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in October 2022 expressing solidarity with flood-ravaged Pakistan. The resolution urged the international community to step up its support for the South Asian nation. In response to this call to action, Pakistan and the United Nations jointly launched a humanitarian appeal. The initial appeal of $160 million was later revised up five-fold to $816 million, highlighting the magnitude of the challenge faced by Pakistan.
Ongoing Climate Challenges
Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change continues to manifest, as the country experienced further heavy rainfall and flash floods during the current monsoon season. These events have claimed the lives of 217 people and left 320 others injured, according to Pakistan’s disaster management authority. The recurring climate-related disasters underline the urgency of international cooperation and support for Pakistan’s long-term resilience.
Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary: A Beacon of Hope
In the midst of these challenges, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, the Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) and Coordinator General of the OIC’s Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), has emerged as a beacon of hope. He has been invited to address the inaugural session of the 78th United Nations General Assembly Science Summit, a prestigious global event scheduled to take place in New York from September 12 to 29, 2023.
Prof. Choudhary’s participation in this summit signifies the critical intersection of science and diplomacy in addressing global challenges. As one of the 1,450 distinguished speakers from around the world, he will lend his expertise to discussions on pressing scientific issues.
Prof. Choudhary’s Remarkable Achievements
Prof. Choudhary’s contributions to the field of medicinal chemistry are renowned globally. With an impressive body of work comprising 1,175 research papers published in international journals, 76 books, and 40 chapters in books, he has left an indelible mark on the scientific community. Furthermore, Prof. Choudhary’s innovative research has resulted in the securing of 40 U.S. patents.
Notably, his work has been cited by researchers worldwide a remarkable 36,000 times, reflecting his significant influence in the field. His h-index of 80 attests to the depth and breadth of his contributions to science.
Conclusion
The 78th United Nations General Assembly session’s focus on the ongoing support for Pakistan in the aftermath of devastating floods underscores the international community’s commitment to addressing the consequences of climate change.
With Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly Science Summit, the worlds of science and diplomacy converge, offering hope and solutions to global challenges. As Pakistan grapples with climate-induced disasters, international collaboration remains essential in building a resilient future for the nation and our planet.
