Pakistan experts join Phewa Dialogue 2026 in China
ISLAMABAD: South Asian experts, including participants from Pakistan, took part in the Phewa Dialogue 2026 held in Chengdu, China, bringing together scholars and policymakers to deliberate on regional development challenges in the context of climate change and governance.
Held under the theme “South Asian Development under Climate Change and Governance,” the Dialogue was jointly organized by the China Center for South Asia Studies and Tribhuvan University.
It brought together leading academics, policy experts, and practitioners to exchange perspectives, strengthen mutual understanding, and explore pathways for sustainable development in South Asia.
Among the Pakistani participants, Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director of the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), delivered a keynote address on the first theme. He highlighted climate change as a shared and pressing challenge for South Asia, affecting economies, livelihoods, and ecosystems across the region, Gwadar Pro reported. He stressed that as climate challenges transcend national borders, their solutions must be rooted in regional cooperation.
He called for joint efforts in climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy collaboration, sustainable agriculture, and enhanced regional trade integration to build a resilient regional economy.
Akram also underscored the importance of policy harmonization, knowledge sharing, and coordinated disaster management mechanisms to effectively respond to environmental challenges. He further highlighted the role of academic institutions, businesses, civil society, and youth in advancing sustainable development and fostering innovation across South Asia.
Launched in 2024 in Pokhara, Nepal, the Phewa Dialogue is a China-led initiative designed to promote dialogue and collaboration among South Asian countries. The 2026 edition marked its second edition, highlighting increasing regional engagement on common economic and environmental challenges. Staff Report
