In a significant development, Afifa Nasar Ullah, a foreign correspondent for DW Deutsche Welle Germany, stands out as the sole representative from Pakistan among the selected few from hundreds of applicants for the COP28 Climate Change Media Partnership (CCMP) Reporting Fellowship.
The fellowship, a collaborative initiative by the Earth Journalism Network (EJN) and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security, involved twenty fellows from 19 countries who have traveled to Dubai to cover news and developments at COP28. Their main roles were to actively participate in daily briefings, conducting interviews with high-level officials, and engaging in other activities organized by the CCMP.
Besides her work at COP28, Afifa has also received a special invitation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to discuss the crucial intersection of climate and housing. This opportunity underscores the broader scope of Afifa’a influence, as she delves into HUD’s efforts to enhance climate resilience in U.S. homes, ensure equitable recovery from climate disasters, and ‘future-proof’ homes against potential climate effects.
An alumna of Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) and member of Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network Islamabad Chapter, Afifa Nasar Ullah’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative influence of programs dedicated to nurturing the education and development of young individuals.
Afifa’s work with DW as a foreign correspondent, covers a wide range of critical issues-migration, human trafficking, climate change, and women’s empowerment which reflect her dedication to amplifying voices on the global stage about these pivotal concerns.
As Afifa Nasar Ullah takes the lead at COP28, her reporting promises to shed light on the challenges faced by vulnerable communities in the face of climate change, emphasizing the need for equitable and sustainable solutions. Her commitment to addressing the complexities of climate change, coupled with her AWE background, highlights the pivotal role of educational initiatives in fostering leaders who drive positive change on a global scale.