Pakistan's Strides Towards an Environmentally-Friendly Economy: Green Skills & Green Jobs at the Forefront
cPakistan is actively contributing to the global fight against climate change, forging a path towards sustainability, a reduced carbon footprint, and enhanced international cooperation, particularly in the aftermath of the severe 2022 floods.
One key strategy to reshape carbon-heavy industries is the creation of green jobs, essential for environmental preservation, economic growth, and societal well-being. The German Cooperation is crucial in supporting Pakistan's shift towards a greener Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector to meet the requirements of new economic and technological developments.
“This initiative focuses on preparing the youth for eco-friendly jobs, aligning with the global trend towards sustainable work methods. Investing in workforce training facilitates timely reskilling and upskilling for environmentally friendly jobs. To achieve this, our communities need a transformation, equipping the youth with the necessary green skills and mindset.”, underlines Mr. Salman Haroon, Chairman of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) TVET Committee.
Furthermore, Mr Haroon emphasized the industry's commitment to environmental agreements for sustainable production and low carbon growth, incorporating green skills into existing jobs, and creating new green jobs.
Creating a Sustainable Workforce
The Pakistan-German Development Cooperation makes a holistic effort in involving coordinated actions from various partners. Germany's support aims to establish enduring partnerships between the government, industries, and TVET institutes. It includes custom tools for the next generation of green and digital jobs, enhancing the skills of TVET practitioners, and making TVET campuses more environmentally friendly.
All Hands-On Deck
Provincially, collaboration between the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), Technical Education and Vocational Training Authorities (TEVTAs), and industry leaders is generating excitement. Expectations include new green job qualifications, sustainable revisions to existing ones, and educators embracing eco-friendly TVET practices.
Progress is evident as a new Green Agenda framework reshapes the TVET sector, influenced by consultations with industry leaders, potentially transforming policymakers' perspectives on economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
An example of this partnership's success is found in Pakistan's construction sector, where upskilling the youth with green skills is driving increased acceptance of green architecture. "It's crucial to incorporate green approaches in Pakistan's building and construction sector for enhanced competitiveness and compliance with international sustainability standards. Upskilling our youth in green skills is essential. The growing acceptance of Green architecture in both domestic and commercial construction projects has generated a demand for skilled workers proficient in sustainable construction practices." - Mr. Muhammad Suleman Saleem, Convener – ABAD.
Teachers and Trainers as Green TVET Ambassadors
TVET practitioners, particularly teachers, play a pivotal role in transforming Pakistan's industry and altering student mindsets. With German financial assistance, teacher training programmes have been implemented in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, focusing on sustainable practices and green initiatives.
These trained teachers leverage their industry networks to cultivate green partnerships, raise awareness about sustainable practices, and identify green job prospects for Pakistani companies.
About the TVET Sector Support Programme
The TVET Sector Support Programme is funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and implemented by GIZ in close collaboration with National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and provincial technical education and vocational training authorities and private sector organizations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.