In a critical step toward strengthening academic-policy collaboration on pressing global issues, the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a high-level delegation from the Academic Council on the UN System (ACUNS) and its partner institutions to discuss multidimensional global challenges including climate change, migration policy, and evolving security dynamics.
The visiting delegation was led by Dr. Franz Baumann, President of ACUNS and former UN Assistant Secretary-General, along with Dr. Afsar Rathor, former UN Director and President of the Austria-based LIOS-SOIL Organization, and Mr. Michael Zinkanell, Director of the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES).
Bridging Academia and Policy: ISSI’s Evolving Role
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI and Pakistan’s former Foreign Secretary, underscored the growing need to build bridges between academic research and evidence-based policymaking. Stressing Pakistan’s commitment to a comprehensive security paradigm, Ambassador Sohail emphasized that climate change, human security, and migration now figure as prominently as traditional geopolitical threats in national security assessments.
“Think tanks must serve as crucial platforms to advance collective understanding and promote informed, data-driven responses to complex transnational issues,” stated Ambassador Sohail.
The discussions, marked by high-level intellectual exchange, served as a launching pad for future collaborative ventures in climate governance, migration management, and regional peacebuilding.
Climate Change: Humanity’s Gravest Threat
Dr. Franz Baumann, a leading authority on global sustainability, highlighted climate change as the most pressing threat to human survival. He warned that while the climate crisis affects all nations, it disproportionately impacts vulnerable regions in the Global South.
Dr. Baumann stressed the importance of the “common but differentiated responsibilities” principle, highlighting the need for fair climate finance, historical accountability, and inclusive climate diplomacy. Notably, he revealed plans to bring the ACUNS Annual Conference to Lahore in 2027 — a potential milestone in South Asia’s climate and policy discourse.
“Climate science must inform every facet of global policymaking. The academic world, governments, and diplomatic communities must act in tandem,” said Dr. Baumann.
Migration and Security: Interconnected Global Challenges
The delegation also addressed the interconnectedness between climate change, displacement, and political instability. Mr. Michael Zinkanell shared insights into European security policy post-Ukraine war, noting the Indo-Pacific’s increasing relevance in strategic affairs.
He called for regional cooperation and proactive governance mechanisms to manage the emerging security architecture. Zinkanell also underlined that climate-driven migration is a potential flashpoint for future conflicts and demands urgent attention from both national and international institutions.
Dr. Afsar Rathor offered a compelling perspective on climate resilience and food security, sharing experiences from his regenerative agriculture projects in Africa. He raised alarms over the rising illegal migration trend among skilled Pakistani professionals and youth, calling for institutional support to create safe and legal migration channels to Europe and beyond.
“Institutional neglect of migration policy could result in long-term socioeconomic losses. It’s time we develop inclusive systems to guide youth toward legal pathways,” he added.
Pakistan’s Efforts in Climate and Migration Policy
Senior researchers from ISSI detailed Pakistan’s strides in tackling climate adaptation, emphasizing the National Security Policy’s incorporation of non-traditional security threats. Pakistan’s leadership in climate negotiations, particularly post-2022 floods, has drawn global recognition.
The ISSI team also highlighted national programs aimed at creating legal migration pathways, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, and integrating youth skill development with international employment markets.
Strengthening Global Partnerships for Shared Priorities
The meeting concluded with a strong mutual commitment to formalizing institutional partnerships between ISSI, ACUNS, AIES, and LIOS-SOIL. These collaborations will focus on joint research, academic exchanges, and high-level policy dialogues on shared global priorities.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasized the long-term value of such international partnerships in addressing climate governance, migration policy reform, and geostrategic cooperation in an increasingly volatile global environment.
