SPAR6C Pakistan’s Workshop Catalyzes Private Sector Engagement in Carbon Markets
Pakistan Carbon Market Training Workshop Convenes Key Stakeholders for Climate Finance Solutions
Avari Towers, Karachi- On July 17th, 2025, UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, in partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) and the Planning and Development Department (P&D Sindh), hosted a Carbon Market Training Workshop for public and private sector stakeholders in Karachi, Pakistan, under the Supporting Preparedness for Article 6 Cooperation (SPAR6C) program. The workshop brought together key representatives from government, the private sector, financial institutions, and think tanks to discuss the pivotal role of carbon markets in mobilizing climate finance and supporting Pakistan’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Inaugural Remarks by Mr. Zubair Ahmed Channa, Secretary, Environment, Climate Change & Coastal Development Department
The workshop kicked off with Mr. Zubair Ahmed Channa, Secretary of the Environment, Climate Change & Coastal Development Department, delivering opening remarks. His speech highlighted the critical role of carbon markets in achieving Pakistan’s climate goals, underscoring the country’s commitment to leveraging carbon finance to mitigate climate change. “Pakistan is at a critical juncture in its climate action journey, and carbon markets will play a pivotal role in achieving our net-zero ambitions. This workshop serves as an important step in fostering collaboration between public and private stakeholders to mobilize climate finance for sustainable development,” said Mr. Channa.
Ms. Nadia Rehman, Member (Climate Change) at the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives (MoPDSI) addressing the audience
Following Mr. Channa’s remarks, Ms. Nadia Rehman, Member (Climate Change) at the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives (MoPDSI), also addressed the audience, further outlining the government’s commitment to combating climate change and promoting green investments through policy and regulatory frameworks.
In-Depth Sessions on Carbon Market Mechanisms
Denis Machnik, Senior Advisor on Carbon Markets at UNEP-CCC, discussing the importance of carbon market mechanisms in advancing Pakistan’s climate goals
The workshop featured presentations from a distinguished panel of international experts. Denis Machnik, Senior Advisor on Carbon Markets at UNEP-CCC, introduced the SPAR6C program and discussed how Pakistan can leverage Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to meet its climate goals through carbon market mechanisms, with a particular focus on Pakistan’s climate commitments.
Jonas Hagen from GFA International explaining sector-specific carbon market opportunities in Pakistan
Jonas Hagen, Principal Expert at GFA International, focused on key sectors such as transport, cement, and waste management, identifying significant opportunities for carbon market engagement and emission reductions in these sectors. He highlighted the crucial role of carbon market projects structuring in alignment with Pakistan’s national climate goals. The discussions underscored the importance of tailoring these initiatives to national priorities, ensuring that carbon market projects not only contribute to emissions reductions but also support sustainable economic growth and sectoral transformation in the country.
Ahsan Kamran, Senior Consultant with SPAR6C, leading an insightful session on the carbon market project lifecycle
The workshop also provided technical expertise through Ahsan Kamran, Senior Consultant with SPAR6C, who led a session on the carbon market project lifecycle. He provided stakeholders with a comprehensive roadmap for project design, covering various project steps from baseline setting and validation to the issuance and transfer of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs).
Private Sector Engagement in Climate Finance
Urwah Khan, Advisor (Climate and Energy) at UNEP Copenhagen, discussing Pakistan’s readiness for carbon market transactions
Urwah Khan, Advisor (Climate & Energy) at UNEP-CCC, presented Pakistan's readiness for project transactions, highlighting investment opportunities and pathways for private sector engagement in carbon finance. His session emphasized the national carbon market policy, project types, and how the private sector can contribute to meeting Pakistan’s climate goals and build mitigatory impact in their product and service delivery.
Ms. Maha Qasim, CEO of Zero Point Partners, outlining a roadmap for private sector participation in Article 6 projects
Ms. Maha Qasim, CEO of Zero Point Partners, delivered a comprehensive session guiding participants through a step-by-step guide for private sector in Article 6 project development. She outlined the essential roadmap for stakeholders to design and implement carbon market projects, focusing on how private sector engagement is key to unlocking investments, mitigating climate risks, bolstering a climate-resilient economy and driving the low-carbon transition in Pakistan.
Discussions on Green Investment Opportunities and Financing Mechanisms
Nadia Shafiq, Senior Chief of the Environment & Climate Change Sector at Planning & Development Board Punjab explaining Punjab’s green investment landscape
The workshop also provided insights into Punjab’s green investment landscape, with contributions from Nadia Shafiq, Senior Chief of the Environment & Climate Change Sector at Planning & Development Punjab, and Mr. Babar Sahib Din, CEO of Lahore Waste Management Company (LMWC). The LMWC representative explored how Pakistan’s waste management sector can leverage carbon finance to develop scalable and sustainable mitigation projects, emphasizing the role of both private sector and government partnerships in advancing low-carbon transformation. LMWC’s Lakhodair Landfill Site in Punjab is also SPAR6C Pakistan’s pilot project receiving Article 6 readiness and implementation technical support.
Panel discussion with key stakeholders from Pakistan’s financial sector, exploring carbon finance solutions and investment strategies
The event concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Ms. Maha Qasim, with representatives from leading investment banks and financial institutions. The discussion revolved around the integration of carbon finance into investment strategies and how commercial banks, the State Bank of Pakistan, and development finance institutions can contribute to Pakistan's low-carbon transition.
Mr. Babar Sahib Din, CEO of LWMC, discussing waste sector pathways and opportunities for carbon finance
The Supporting Preparedness for Article 6 Cooperation (SPAR6C) program remains committed to advancing technical capacity and engaging stakeholders across Pakistan to build capacity for carbon markets and support the scaling of low-carbon infrastructure.
