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109

Community World Service Asia (CWSA) recently collaborated with the Climate and Environment Charter Secretariat and various stakeholders across a series of events highlighting climate resilience as a shared responsibility. The events emphasised stronger youth leadership, locally led solutions, environmental sustainability, and collaboration to translate climate commitments into action for a more resilient and sustainable Pakistan.

Nishanie Jayamaha, Co-Coordinator of the Climate and Environment Charter Secretariat, along with other climate and humanitarian experts, contributed to these discussions, sharing insights on strengthening climate action and advancing practical, locally led solutions.

Seminar with University of Punjab

The seminar was organised in collaboration with the Department of Social Work, University of the Punjab, Lahore, under the theme “Climate Action and Sustainable Development: Empowering Youth Leadership for Climate Resilience and Global Climate Commitments.” It brought together students, academia, civil society and development practitioners to discuss Pakistan’s climate challenges and the urgent need to translate global climate commitments into meaningful, locally led action.

A key highlight was the keynote address by Ms. Nishanie Jayamaha, Co-Coordinator, Climate Charter, on “Climate Leadership and the Climate and Environment Charter – Inspiring Collective Action.” She introduced the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organizations as a framework for transformational change and emphasized the need to strengthen adaptation to climate and environmental crises, reduce the environmental footprint of humanitarian work, develop evidence-based solutions, and place local actors and communities at the centre of climate action.

The seminar highlighted the growing global engagement with the Charter, which has 540 signatories and 14 state supporters, representing a broad range of humanitarian, development, research and civil society organizations. The seminar concluded with the plantation activity, symbolizing the importance of translating climate dialogue and commitments into practical environmental action.

One-Day Seminar with Pakistan CSOs & the Climate and Environment Charter
From Global Commitments to Local Action: Strengthening Climate Resilience in Pakistan

Community World Service Asia (CWSA), in collaboration with the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organizations and Climate Action Forum (CAF) Pakistan, organised a National Training on the Climate and Environment Charter for Responsible Climate Action on 19–20 August 2026 at CWSA’s Training Facility in Murree.

The two-day training brought together around 30 representatives from NGOs, CWSA RECAP Project partners, CAF Pakistan, and members and signatories of the Climate and Environment Charter. Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, participants explored the Charter’s principles and commitments and developed organisational action plans to strengthen climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable humanitarian and development programming.

The training was facilitated by Nishanie Jayamaha, Co-Coordinator, Climate and Environment Charter Secretariat; Dr. Manzoor Ahmed, Programme Advisor, CWSA; and Danish Batool Zaidi, MPH, Programme Coordinator, CWSA.

The training was followed by a one-day seminar, “From Global Commitments to Local Action: Strengthening Climate Resilience in Pakistan,” bringing together Pakistan’s civil society organisations and the Climate and Environment Charter.

The seminar focused on Pakistan’s climate realities, the role of civil society in generating evidence for climate sustainability, and the relevance of global climate and environmental commitments for organisations working in Pakistan.

The seminar explored Pakistan’s climate realities and national commitments, the role of CSOs in generating evidence for climate sustainability, and the Climate and Environment Charter’s principles and commitments. Participants also discussed practical ways to integrate climate action into organisational work and identified opportunities for continued collaboration and collective action.

National Training on Climate and Environment Charter for Responsible Climate Action

Community World Service Asia (CWSA), in collaboration with the Climate and Environment Charter Secretariat and Climate Action Forum (CAF) Pakistan, organised a two-day national training at CWSA Training Facility, Murree, Pakistan to strengthen understanding and implementation of the Climate and Environment Charter.

The training brought together around 30 representatives from NGOs, CWSA RECAP Project partners, CAF Pakistan, and members and signatories of the Charter. Participants explored the Charter’s principles and commitments and developed practical organisational action plans to strengthen climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable humanitarian and development programming.

The training explored the importance of climate and environmental action, introduced the Climate and Environment Charter and its application to humanitarian action, and examined its key commitments. Participants also explored how climate and environmental considerations can be integrated into organisational programming and operations.

The sessions further focused on developing organisational targets and goals, with participants working on practical action plans and receiving feedback to translate Charter commitments into concrete steps.

The training was facilitated by Nishanie Jayamaha, Co-Coordinator, Climate and Environment Charter Secretariat; Dr. Manzoor Ahmed, Programme Advisor, CWSA; and Danish Batool, Programme Coordinator, CWSA.

The training reinforced a key message: turning climate and environmental commitments into action requires practical planning, organisational ownership, and collective effort.

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In the aftermath of disaster, recovery is about more than just rebuilding homes. It is about restoring hope and dignity to create a better future. For Hina Kabeer, a devastating earthquake in Pakistan’s Chipurson Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan on 19 January 2026 marked the beginning of an unexpected journey. Faced with the loss of her home, livelihood and sense of security, she refused to let adversity define her future. Through resilience and determination, Hina transformed one of the most challenging moments of her life into an opportunity to rebuild, not only for herself, but for her three children.

Hina Kabeer, a resident of Zoodkhun village in Chipurson Valley, lived with her husband and children. Before the earthquake, the family relied on agriculture as their primary source of income, cultivating crops and managing small-scale farming activities to meet their daily needs.

Life was not without its challenges. Hina’s husband was chronically ill with Arthritis and unable to work, leaving to shoulder much of the responsibility for supporting the household while caring for their four daughters aged 5 to 12, who were studying in Classes 1, 2, 6 and 7. caring for her family. Despite these hardships, Hina remained committed to providing stability for her children and ensuring they could continue their education.

Displacement and Loss

The powerful earthquake caused widespread destruction, leaving Hina’s home completely destroyed, forcing her family to leave their village. In addition to losing their home, they also lost their source of livelihood. This loss caused Hina and her family great amounts of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future. The displacement made it difficult to adjust to a new environment, and Hina worried constantly about providing food, shelter, and education for her children. The earthquake severely damaged irrigation channels that sustained their farmland, making it impossible to continue agricultural activities. “Our land is still there, but without water, we cannot grow anything,” Hina recalled.

With no income source and no permanent shelter, the family relocated to Gulmit Gojal, where they lived in temporary accommodation while facing growing financial and emotional hardship. Despite the loss of both home and livelihood, Hina remained determined to support her family. She ensured her children continued their education despite the disruption and began exploring ways to earn an income and rebuild their lives. “I wanted to do something for my children, but I had no resources to start,” she shared.

Emergency Relief in Action

At this critical moment, Community World Service Asia (CWSA), in collaboration with ACT Alliance, provided timely humanitarian assistance to Hina’s family. The support included Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) of PKR 60,000 (215 USD), along with essential non-food items (NFIs), including four blankets, four mattresses, a wood stove and a tarpaulin.

This timely and flexible assistance enabled Hina to address her family’s most urgent needs while also investing in their future. Rather than spending the cash assistance solely on immediate consumption, she used it to purchase the furniture and basic equipment needed to establish a small restaurant in Gulmit Gojal. There, she serves breakfast and lunch, including traditional local (desi) dishes. The restaurant now provides a stable source of income, generating approximately PKR 50,000 per month and enabling Hina to support her family. This decision marked a turning point in her recovery, transforming the loss of her livelihood into an opportunity to rebuild.

The restaurant has brought meaningful improvements to the family’s lives including:

  • A stable source of income
  • Continued support for her three children’s education
  • Improved access to food and other essential needs
  • Greater financial independence and confidence

“Now, I can manage my household expenses and support my children,” Hina said.

Beyond supporting her own family, Hina’s restaurant also serves the local community by providing affordable meals and contributing to the local economy. Her ability to adapt to changing circumstances demonstrates remarkable resilience. When agriculture was no longer a viable source of livelihood, she embraced a new opportunity and successfully established a small business.

Standing Strong, Looking Ahead

Reflecting on her journey, Hina expressed heartfelt gratitude to Community World Service Asia (CWSA) and ACT Alliance for their timely support during one of the most difficult periods of her life. With no income and few options after the earthquake, the assistance gave her the opportunity to rebuild with dignity and confidence.

“This support helped me stand on my own feet and rebuild our lives,” Hina said.

Looking ahead, Hina hopes to further develop her restaurant and strengthen her family’s financial security. While the business now provides a stable source of income, it remains modest and requires additional support to grow sustainably. Her aspirations include expanding the restaurant, improving its facilities and equipment, and increasing its income so she can better provide for her family.

Hina’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination and timely humanitarian assistance. Although the earthquake upended her life, it also marked the beginning of a new chapter. With support from CWSA and ACT Alliance, Hina was able to meet her family’s immediate needs while investing in a sustainable livelihood. Today she is not only rebuilding her life but also creating a more secure future for her children, one built on hope, dignity and self-reliance.

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As part of the Regional Enhancement for Climate Adaptation and Partnership (RECAP) project, a team from the Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB), comprising Mr. Md. Ashik Sarder, Project Coordinator, and Mr. John Rahul Baidya, Project Officer, visited Pakistan from 7–11 June 2026. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen regional collaboration, exchange experiences, and deepen partnerships among RECAP consortium members working across South Asia to enhance climate resilience and adaptation capacities.

A key component of the visit was the engagement with RECAP partner organisations and national institutions, providing the CCDB team with firsthand exposure to diverse approaches, experiences, and initiatives being implemented across Pakistan to address climate and development challenges.

Visit to Christian Study Centre (CSC) – 8 June 2026

On 8 June 2026, the CCDB team visited the Christian Study Centre (CSC) in Rawalpindi, where they were briefed on the organization’s longstanding commitment to promoting social justice, peacebuilding, interfaith harmony, and community empowerment. CSC shared insights into its work with marginalised communities, youth engagement initiatives, climate justice programming, and advocacy efforts aimed at fostering inclusive and resilient societies. The discussion highlighted the importance of integrating social cohesion and community participation into climate adaptation efforts, while providing an opportunity for both organisations to exchange experiences, lessons learned, and explore areas of mutual learning and collaboration.

Visit to Pakistan Partnership Initiative (PPI) – 9 June 2026

On 9 June 2026, the CCDB team visited the Pakistan Partnership Initiative (PPI), where they received an overview of the organisation’s role in strengthening local civil society organizations through capacity building, institutional development, and partnership facilitation. PPI shared its experiences in supporting community-led development initiatives, enhancing organisational effectiveness, and promoting sustainable development practices across Pakistan. Discussions focused on approaches to strengthening local capacities, fostering collaborative networks, and enabling grassroots organisations to play a greater role in addressing climate and development challenges. The exchange provided valuable insights into effective partnership models and strategies for strengthening community resilience through local ownership and collective action.

Visit to Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC), MOCC – 10 June 2026

On 10 June 2026, the CCDB team visited the Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC), operating under Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change. The team was introduced to GCISC’s mandate and its contributions to climate science, policy research, and evidence-based decision-making in Pakistan. The briefing highlighted the Centre’s work on climate modeling, vulnerability assessments, adaptation planning, disaster risk reduction, and policy support for national climate action. Discussions explored emerging climate trends, adaptation priorities, and the critical role of research institutions in informing policy and practice. The interaction enabled participants to better understand how scientific knowledge, research, and innovation can support climate resilience efforts and contribute to informed climate action across South Asia.

Capacity Building Training on Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for Integrated Water and Climate Resilience – 8-10 June 2026

A key highlight of the visit was the participation of the CCDB team in the three-day Capacity Building Training on Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for Integrated Water and Climate Resilience, organised by Community World Service Asia (CWSA) in Islamabad from 8–10 June 2026. The training brought together representatives from partner organisations, civil society groups, and climate practitioners from across Pakistan. Led by Dr. Manzoor Ahmed, Lead Consultant, CWSA, the training provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of Nature-Based Solutions and their application in addressing climate and water-related challenges. The programme was further enriched by technical sessions delivered by experts, including Dr. Roomi Hayat, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Rural Management – IRM, Mr. Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Former Country Representative, IUCN Pakistan, Mr. Haider Raza, Director NbS/North WWF-Pakistan, and Dr. Huma, Senior Research Officer, WWF-Pakistan. Drawing on their extensive experience in climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable natural resource management, the speakers shared practical insights, field experiences, and global best practices for designing and implementing effective Nature-Based Solutions.

The training covered the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, water resilience, gender inclusion, indigenous knowledge, and ecosystem-based approaches. Through expert-led sessions, case studies, and interactive exercises, participants explored practical ways to integrate NbS into organisational and community initiatives. The CCDB team shared experiences from Bangladesh on flood management, wetland restoration, and community resilience, while participants developed action plans to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable ecosystem management.

The CCDB team’s visit to Pakistan was marked by meaningful exchanges, shared learning, and strengthened partnerships among RECAP consortium members and partner organisations. Through institutional briefings, technical discussions, partner engagements, and collaborative learning opportunities, participants gained deeper insights into diverse approaches to climate adaptation, resilience building, and sustainable development being implemented across the region. The visit reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation, cross-country learning, and knowledge sharing in addressing the growing challenges of climate change. These strengthened partnerships, shared experiences, and collective commitments will continue to contribute to the objectives of the RECAP project, fostering greater collaboration and enhancing climate adaptation and resilience-building efforts across South Asia.

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On 23 July 2026, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) and CWS Japan, with the support of the People of Japan, hosted Technology for Resilience: Strengthening Disaster Resilience of Climate-Affected Communities at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad. The half-day experience-sharing event brought together government institutions, academia, NGOs, UN agencies, the private sector and community representatives from Umerkot District to reflect on six years of resilience programming and explore how technology and innovation can strengthen climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

At the heart of the event were the experiences of communities themselves.

“Water is dearer and more expensive than gold for us.” — Ms. Dahi, community member, Umerkot
For Ms. Dahi, access to safe drinking water once meant spending entire days travelling to collect it. The installation of a reverse osmosis (RO) plant in her village one of 24 installed under the project has brought the water source closer to home, improving access to safe water and easing the chronic back pain she experienced from years of carrying water over long distances.

For Mr. Sikander, lined water channels helped transform flood-damaged agricultural land. Improved water management enabled him to expand his farmland from 8 to 12 acres and establish a flourishing kitchen garden.

Mr. Gulzar spoke about a different kind of transformation. After losing his home to floods, the introduction of safe evacuation shelters, mock drills and disaster risk reduction awareness has helped his community move from facing disasters with uncertainty to being better prepared for what may come.

These stories reflect a broader journey of resilience programming in Umerkot. Over six years, three complementary interventions responded to evolving community needs: RO plants from 2020–2023, water channel lining from 2024–2025, and evacuation shelters and flood risk mapping from 2025–2026.

When Community Knowledge Becomes Data

One of the strongest messages emerging from the event was that technology is most effective when it is combined with local knowledge.

In Umerkot’s flat terrain, satellite imagery alone cannot always provide a complete picture of flood risk. Communities therefore contributed their own knowledge of where floodwaters had previously travelled, which areas had been submerged and which routes remained accessible. This information was translated into hazard maps using QGIS, turning lived experience into data that could support preparedness and planning.

Technology was also used to identify suitable locations for safe drinking water infrastructure. Electrical Resistivity Surveys conducted across 28 villages helped identify areas with access to fresh groundwater, informing the placement of 24 RO plants.

But technology was only one part of the solution. The infrastructure is sustained by Village Management Committees, trained local operators and community contributions, demonstrating how local ownership can determine whether an intervention remains useful long after a project ends.

Inclusion Is Part of Innovation

The event also highlighted that access to technology must go beyond providing digital tools or infrastructure.

Project materials were translated into Sindhi and Dhatki, ensuring that communities could understand and participate in the interventions affecting their lives. Local committees were involved in managing infrastructure, while community members contributed their knowledge to risk mapping and preparedness planning.

The message was clear: innovation does not always mean the highest technology; it means technology that is appropriate, relevant and accessible.

As Ms. Minyoung Kim of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) noted, “Innovation does not always mean the highest technology; it means technology that is appropriate, relevant, and accessible.”

From Local Experience to a National Conversation

The event provided a space for community experiences to inform a wider conversation on climate resilience and disaster risk reduction.

Representatives from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Fatima Group, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) and academia joined community members in discussing how technology can support more effective and inclusive climate action.

Discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening data sharing, improving access to technology and digital skills, and ensuring that innovation does not deepen existing inequalities.
NDMA shared insights into the use of artificial intelligence and satellite imagery for disaster management, while UNDP emphasised the importance of appropriate and accessible innovation. IWMI highlighted the risk that the digital divide can further exclude vulnerable communities, while the private sector brought perspectives on strengthening resilient agriculture and aligning investments with longer-term sustainability targets.

The Way Forward

The discussions pointed towards several priorities for strengthening climate resilience:

  • Improve data-sharing mechanisms, with national and provincial disaster management authorities playing a leading role.
  • Close the digital divide through greater access to technology, information and capacity building.
  • Put communities at the centre of climate and disaster risk reduction policies and planning.
  • Connect scientific and technological tools with local knowledge to develop solutions that respond to actual community needs.
  • Expand successful approaches to neighbouring communities facing similar climate and disaster risks.

The event also reinforced the importance of collaboration. Government institutions, civil society, academia, UN agencies, the private sector and communities each hold different pieces of the resilience puzzle. Bringing these perspectives together can help turn data, technology and knowledge into practical protection.

A Cake That Everyone Must Bake

Closing the event, Mr. Go Igarashi of CWS Japan shared a Japanese expression, “e ni kaita mochi,” a picture of a cake that looks delicious but cannot actually be eaten.

The analogy captured the central lesson of the day: a sophisticated hazard map, evacuation plan or technological solution has limited value if it remains on paper or inside an office. Technology creates resilience when communities can understand it, access it, use it and ultimately take ownership of it.

A picture of a cake feeds no one.

By bringing together technology, community knowledge, local ownership and partnership, the experience from Umerkot demonstrates how maps and plans can become meaningful protection and how climate resilience can move from a concept to something communities experience in their everyday lives.

Technology matters most when it works for people.

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Accountability is never a single dish. It’s a full meal, built course by course. This December, Community World Service Asia is serving three regional workshops centering on quality and accountability, in Bangkok, each one a complete tasting menu of its own:

🟡 Table One — People & Culture for Accountability
🟡 Table Two — Inclusive Humanitarian Action
🟡 Table Three — Solution Clinics: QAS Lab

Choose one table, or sample all three (as an organisation). Every seat sits under the same roof: quality and accountability to the people we serve.

📍 Bangkok, Thailand | 🗓️ 4–7 December 2026
Deadlines have been now extended to 30th October
📩 Reservations recommended, every table seats a limited number of guests.

For details or queries, please contact at: qa.support@communityworldservice.asia

Download the brochure and register:

People & Culture for Accountability – register here

Empowering Inclusive Humanitarian Action – register here

Solution Clinics: QAS Lab – register here

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The GHA Report 2026 highlights the unprecedented disruption facing humanitarian funding, offering critical insights for donors, practitioners, and decision-makers navigating a rapidly changing humanitarian landscape. As record-breaking funding cuts continue to strain the humanitarian system, millions of people are at risk of being left behind as aid organisations are increasingly forced to make difficult choices about who receives support.

Produced by ALNAP, this year’s report provides independent analysis of the impact of shrinking resources on people affected by crises. As the humanitarian sector grapples with one of the most severe funding downturns in its history, the report sheds light on the challenges, trade-offs, and implications for humanitarian action worldwide.

Read or download the full GHA 2026 report

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Over two weeks in Murree and Islamabad, ninety-five humanitarian practitioners from forty-two organisations gathered for a single purpose: to transform organisational accountability from an abstract concept into a lived practice.

Today’s humanitarian landscape presents steep challenges; shrinking budgets, growing needs, and aid workers stretched to their limits. But true accountability to communities cannot exist without accountability to the staff supporting them. When teams are well-managed, emotionally supported, and empowered within an ethical organisational culture, community trust naturally follows. Guided by CHS Commitment 8, these workshops focused on building the internal foundations that allow humanitarian workers and by extension, humanitarian and development programs to thrive.

Organised by Community World Service Asia (CWSA) and facilitated by organisational development expert Uma Narayanan, the five-workshop series pushed past standard compliance discussions, opening up honest conversations on leadership, workplace well-being, and practical culture change.

Building the People Culture (Murree, 1–3 July)

People and Culture opened the series with a simple but powerful premise: culture doesn’t happen by accident, it’s built through trust, communication, and shared accountability. Across three days, 28 participants (HR managers, programme leads, and safeguarding focal points) worked through translating policy into everyday practice, to building a feedback culture that improves rather than punishes.

Much of the discussion centred on how everyday systems: feedback mechanisms, appraisals, learning and development that quietly and powerfully shape organisational culture. And a shared worry surfaced early: workload, driven by shrinking funding. The room kept coming back to one question: how does a genuinely accountable culture help teams carry that weight? Team exercises throughout the workshop made the case in practice, not just theory.

“The workshop reinforced that a positive organisational culture doesn’t happen by chance, it is intentionally built through trust, respect, open communication, and shared accountability. When leaders create a safe and supportive environment, people naturally take greater ownership of their work.” – Sadia Usman, Head HR, Shakarganj Food Products Limited.

Three things that stuck:

  • An open feedback culture is harder to build than it sounds, but it’s the backbone of everything else.
  • Culture is shaped by systems, beliefs, and values, and when an individual’s values clash with the organisation’s, that tension is hard to sustain. Effective teams are built when values are understood, not assumed.
  • A culture of learning and development is easy to overlook, but it’s what keeps everything else alive.

One voice from the room summed it up best: accountability is a shared responsibility that has to run across the whole organisation.

Turning the Lens Inward: A Staff Capacity-Building Session (Murree, 4–5 July)

People Management and Collaborative Leadership brought humanitarian managers together for two intensive days of honest reflection on what it actually takes to lead a team, right now, under pressure. The question behind every session: what kind of manager do I want to become?

For teams from the same organisation, it was valuable time and a space not crowded by worries about funding cuts and workload, where colleagues could sit together and simply reflect. The conversation went straight to the hard part: your team is overworked, how are you managing priorities? How do you build culture within your own team, and carry it back to the wider organisation, and vice versa?

One theme ran through it all: trust. Trust reaps ownership. Trust reaps results that go beyond numbers. And trust is what binds a team together when things get harsh.

Leading Under Pressure (Islamabad, 7–9 July)

The workshop series concluded with its most diverse gathering: a three-day training bringing together leaders from across Pakistan’s humanitarian sector. Titled Leading Under Pressure, the space was dedicated to exploring how leaders make ethical decisions, manage teams, and stay grounded when operating under constant strain.

Rather than relying on traditional lectures, the session embraced hands-on, interactive learning. Using experiential building exercises, participants worked through simple, complex, and chaotic decision-making scenarios, mirroring the real-world ambiguity aid leaders navigate daily. Playful exercises carried a serious message: solid organisational foundations and clear values are essential when leading through a crisis. Together, participants wrestled with systems thinking, negotiation, and ethical leadership, constantly pushing one another to move beyond immediate task management and lead with clear, long-term vision.

Yet, the true value of the three days lay in the rare, reflective space it offered. The room repeatedly returned to honest, essential questions: Do we sit with our teams to understand their daily realities? Are we creating environments where staff feel safe to speak up about hidden challenges? Do we pause long enough on major decisions to see the bigger picture?

As the workshop drew to a close, leaders agreed on a shared truth: an inspiring organisational vision is meaningless without supported, motivated people carrying it forward.

“The workshop on Leadership & Accountability was a great learning experience. It reinforced that effective leadership is rooted in accountability, to our teams, partners, and the communities we work with. The sessions helped me reflect on leading with integrity and clarity, even in complex humanitarian settings.” Farhan Razzaq, Project Coordinator, ToGETHER Program, Welthungerhilfe.

CHS Country Cooperative: From Shared Standards to Shared Action

Just a day after the leadership workshop wrapped, the momentum carried straight into the CHS Country Cooperative Pakistan’s first-ever face-to-face planning meeting. Fourteen member organisations sat down together, not as competitors chasing the same funding, but as a cooperative asking a harder question: what can we only achieve together?

The conversation did not shy away from uncomfortable truths. Pakistan hosts nearly 40 CHS Alliance member organisations, yet fewer than five have completed a CHS self-assessment, and the collective impact of that membership on accountability practice in the country is still, honestly, unclear. Rather than gloss over that, the Cooperative named it as its own starting point: a shared gap to close together.

Out of the discussion came three priority focus areas to drive forward over the coming year; a list every voice in the room agreed was doable and effective.

Key Areas:

  • Promote a Culture of Accountability, Reflection and Quality Improvement Across the Membership
  • Promote Localisation by Supporting National and Local Organisations to Take Leadership Roles in Decision-Making and Programme Delivery
  • Strengthen Accountability to Affected Populations by Improving Feedback and Complaint Mechanisms, Safeguarding Practices and Community Engagement Approaches

And one interest dominated the room above all others: how do we actually do a CHS self-assessment? An orientation session on exactly that was delivered shortly after by Community World Service Asia (CWSA).

The distinction that stuck: collective action is what members do together; collective accountability is what they are jointly answerable for.

The Path Ahead

What connected all four workshops was a clear, collective realisation: accountability is not about ticking boxes for donor requirements, but about cultivating a workplace culture of respect, safety, and care. When organisations support their own people, they build the trust and capability needed to serve crisis-affected communities with true dignity.

With the workshops now concluded, the focus shifts from discussion to daily implementation. The real journey begins now, translating every insight gained into the everyday habits that define how we work.

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Gilgit, September 8, 2026 — In a major step toward strengthening climate resilience in high-mountain and severely climate impacted ecosystems, Karakoram International University (KIU), in partnership with Community World Service Asia (CWSA), hosted the International Conference on Nature-Based Solutions, Local Adaptation, and Global Commitments today at the KIU Gilgit Campus.

The landmark gathering brought together over 200 youth leaders, climate affected communities, researchers, environmental practitioners, and global humanitarians to advance practical, community-centered responses to the climate crisis in mountain regions.

Marking a major milestone for climate science in the region, the conference opened with the inauguration of the Centre for Cryosphere Studies, a specialised research hub at KIU dedicated to studying glacier dynamics, climate impacts, and high-altitude environmental changes in Gilgit-Baltistan.

This Centre will focus on disaster and flood modelling, hazard and vulnerability risk assessment, climate-adaptive agriculture and livelihoods glacial mass balancing, and glacial lake outburst flood modelling, using modern tools such as GIS, remote sensing, and AI. The Centre was jointly inaugurated by Takeshi Komino, Chairperson of the Asian Disaster Reduction and Response Network (ADRRN), and Prof. Dr. Abdul Razaq, Vice Chancellor of KIU.

Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of CWSA, Danish Batool emphasised the essential role of intergenerational partnership and community leadership in climate adaptation. She reminded the audience saying, “This conference is a powerful reflection of how education, partnerships, and collective action can drive us towards a more resilient and sustainable future.”

Connecting Global Commitments to Mountain Realities

During the technical session, “Climate Resilience and Sustainability in Global Practices,” international humanitarian leaders explored how local environmental stewardship reinforces global climate commitments.

William Anderson, Executive Director of Sphere, emphasised the vital role of humanitarian standards and nature-based solutions.He said, “We shouldn’t be paralysed by the scale of the challenge. Change doesn’t have to start with something huge. Each of us can take small steps. And those small steps, taken together, can put us on a very different path towards positive change for the world around us.”

Nishanie Jayamaha from the Climate & Environment Charter Secretariat highlighted the operationalisation of global pledges and the need for organisations to adapt. She stated, “We need to rethink our programmes and ask ourselves: are we supporting communities to adapt, or are we unintentionally causing more harm?” Nishanie further added, “Nature-based solutions are part of adaptation. Before we build, we need to think about how we can work with the ecosystem.”
While, Takeshi Komino, Chairperson of ADRRN, addressed the intersection of disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. “We need to put communities at the centre of our decisions. We may talk about mapping, technology and technical expertise, but we always need to think about the community first. Communities are ultimately the ones who sustain resilience.”

Local Leadership, Storytelling, and Youth Innovation

A multi-sectoral panel titled “Local Climate Adaptation in Gilgit-Baltistan: Opportunities and Solutions” featured prominent regional voices, including Shehzad Hasan Shigri (Director, Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency), Haider Raza (Director North/Nature-based Solutions, WWF-Pakistan), and Murtaza Ansari (renowned filmmaker and digital storyteller). Together, they examined resilient infrastructure, local ecosystem conservation, and the power of digital narrative in mobilizing community action.

Complementing this, Zarmast Khan Sherazi (Environmental Specialist, P&D Department, GB), Dr. Shaukat Ali (Associate Professor, KIU), and Mujeeb Sardar (Coordinator REDD+, Forest Department, GB) explored strategies to mainstream indigenous knowledge and local forestry into formal development planning.

Reflecting the regional government’s active support for locally led adaptation, Muhammad Ali Akhtar, Minister Finance of Gilgit-Baltistan, attended the conference alongside international guests Laura Jensen, Regional Representative Asia from Act CoS and Rania Salameh, Method Advisor on Locally Led Approaches from ACT CoS.

Highlighting the agency of the next generation, the conference featured a vibrant youth exhibition where students presented grassroots research and innovative climate solutions through poster presentations.

Concluding the event, Tooba Siddiqi, Associate Regional Director at CWSA, stated that “every framework, every policy, and every research paper only matters if it reaches the communities we work with and benefits them. That is the measure I would ask you to carry out of this room.”

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For four years, Community World Service Asia (CWSA), with the support of Act for Peace and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) – AusAid, worked alongside the District Health Department, Umerkot, to improve access to healthcare in some of the district’s most remote and migration-prone communities. Between 2022 and 2026, the Improving Health and Education Services in Migration-Prone Union Councils of Umerkot project reached more than 200,000 people, strengthening primary healthcare and maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) services while laying the foundation for a stronger local health system.

At the centre of this effort were four government dispensaries in the Sekhro and Kaplore Union Councils. Once non-functional, these facilities were renovated, equipped and transformed into fully operational primary healthcare centres, bringing essential services closer to communities that previously had limited access to essential care. The dispensaries provided free outpatient consultations, essential medicines, antenatal and postnatal care, family planning, child deworming, health counselling and nutrition screening. Services were accessible to all community members, including pregnant and lactating women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities.

Beyond the health facilities, the project invested in the community. Through health awareness sessions, community mobilisation, Village Management Committees (VMCs) and the observance of national and intentional health days, local communities became active partners in improving health outcomes. Working closely with community members also enabled CWSA to build trust, strengthen local ownership and better understand the healthcare challenges faced by families living in remote desert areas.

With the project now complete, the four dispensaries in Cheelband, Jhamrari, Ramsar and Kaplore have been formally handed over to the District Health Department. The department has committed to sustaining services by deploying government health staff, allocating resources and fully integrating the facilities into the public health system.

Reflecting on the handover, Dr. Irum Shehzadi, Women Medical Officer with CWSA, said:

“Today we hand over not just a building, but a promise of healthier lives for the people of Kaplore. It has been an honour to serve this community through the challenges of the harsh desert. As a female doctor, it was especially meaningful to provide women with a safe and comfortable space to seek healthcare with dignity. The successful completion of this journey reflects our shared commitment to care and I hope this facility continues to serve the community for many years to come.”

Formal handover ceremonies were held at each dispensary, bringing together Village Management Committee members, healthcare providers, local government officials and other stakeholders. During the ceremonies, CWSA and the District Health Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), officially transferring responsibilities for managing and operating the facilities to the Government.

For community members, the handover represents the continuation of services that have become an essential part of daily life.

Deen Muhammad, Government Vaccinator and Village Focal Person from Jhamrari, reflected on the transformation:

“Before CWSA’s support, very few patients visited our dispensary. After the facility was renovated, health staff were deployed and community health awareness sessions began, more people started coming for treatment, including families from neighbouring villages. Vaccination coverage also improved because mothers could access multiple health services during the same visit. The dispensary has become a trusted health facility and we remain committed to ensuring these services continue to benefit our community.”

The handover marks more than the conclusion of a four-years project. It represents a transition from project support to long-term public ownership, ensuring that communities continue to benefit from quality healthcare services long after the project’s completion. Through collaboration, local leadership and government commitment, the foundations have been laid for healthier and more resilient communities across Umerkot.

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On June 30, 2026, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) hosted a Project Completion Ceremony in Umerkot, celebrating more than a decade of impactful community transformation under the project “Improving Health and Education Services in Migration-Prone Union Councils.”

Implemented from 2015 to 2026 in close partnership with Act for Peace (AFP), DFAT–AusAid, and local district authorities, the initiative significantly expanded access to quality healthcare and basic education for highly vulnerable, climate-and economic-migration-affected communities. By institutionalising systemic support alongside the District Health, Education, and Administrative departments of Umerkot, the project built resilient, community-led foundations for long-term, sustainable service delivery.

Health Project Implementation Phases

The project was implemented in three phases:

  • Phase I (2015–2018) Support was provided in three Rural Health Centres (RHCs)
  • Phase II (2018–2021) Support was provided to two Taluka Hospitals (THQs) Pithoro and Samaro
  • Phase III (2022–2026) Four Government Dispensaries (GDs) were strengthened in three union councils Kaplore, Sekhro and Faqeer Abdullah
    • Government Dispensary Ramsar
    • Government Dispensary Jhamrari
    • Government Dispensary Cheelband
    • Government Dispensary Kaplore

Following the project’s completion, all four Government Dispensaries were formally handed over to the District Health Department to ensure their continued management and sustainability.

Key Health Achievements

From 2015 to 2026, through the project, Community World Service Asia (CWSA), expanded community-based health and resilience programming positively impacting over 700,000 people across underserved areas in District Umerkot.

To ensure equitable access to dignified healthcare and strengthen Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) outcomes, the project focused on system strengthening and community empowerment by:

  • Delivering Comprehensive Primary Healthcare: Providing essential preventive and curative services, including free medicines via multi-disciplinary teams of Medical Officers, Lady Health Visitors, Medical Technicians, and Social Mobilisers.
  • Strengthening Local Health Systems: Upgrading and renovating government health facilities while building the technical capacities of local healthcare providers.
  • Fostering Local Ownership: Establishing and mentoring village-level Health Management Committees (HMCs) to promote community-led health governance.
  • Expanding Immunisation & Prevention: Mobilising local communities to support routine immunisations and district-wide polio campaigns in close coordination with the District Health Department.

Reaching the Most Remote Communities

In parallel, CWSA partnered with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) to deploy Mobile Health Units (MHUs) across the drought-affected Union Councils of Kaplore, Sekhro, and Faqeer Abdullah. By taking primary healthcare, MNCH care, health education, and referral pathways directly to remote and isolated settlements, these mobile teams bridged critical gaps where static health infrastructure was unavailable.

Education Achievements

Alongside its healthcare interventions, the project made a significant contribution to improving access to quality education in District Umerkot through a comprehensive approach that strengthened enrolment, teaching quality, school governance and the learning environment.

The project supported 350 government primary schools, benefiting approximately 70,000 students across the district. School enrolment campaigns encouraged out-of-school children to enrol and attend classes regularly, while community awareness sessions promoted girls’ education by engaging parents, teachers and local leaders to address barriers to education.

To enhance students’ overall development, the project organised extracurricular activities that promoted confidence and active participation in school life.

In collaboration with the District Education Department, approximately 4,000 government primary school teachers received training in inclusive education and multi-grade teaching methodologies. The training equipped teachers with practical skills to manage diverse classrooms and adopt more interactive, child-centred teaching approaches, contributing to improved engagement and learning outcomes.

The project also strengthened school governance by building the capacity of 200 School Management Committee (SMC) representatives. Training focused on governance, monitoring, community mobilisation and effective resources management, enabling SMCs to play a more active role in improving school performance and accountability.

To improve the learning environment, Community World Service Asia provided participating schools with essential teaching and learning resources, including whiteboards, shelves, seating mats, chairs, water coolers, stationary, multi-grade teaching kits, school bags, water bottles, sports equipment, swings and audio-learning devices.

These resources enhanced classroom conditions by equipping teachers and students with the tools needed for effective teaching and learning. Recreational facilities, including swings and sports equipment, also helped create more child-friendly learning spaces that support students’ well-being. Together, these interventions have contributed to safer, more inclusive and better-equipped schools across District Umerkot.

Marking a Milestone in Sustainable Community Transformation: Project Handover in Umerkot

The Project Completion Ceremony in Umerkot served as a pivotal platform to reflect on a decade of community-led achievements, honour local partnerships, and solidify commitments toward sustaining essential services across District Umerkot.

The gathering brought together a broad coalition of local stakeholders, including representatives from the District Administration, District Health and Education Departments, the Immunisation Department, the Community Midwife School Umerkot, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, civil society partners, educators, and community leaders.

A Decade of Impact and Transition

The ceremony opened with reflections from CWSA representatives and a retrospective presentation highlighting ten years of integrated health and education progress. A featured documentary illustrated the project’s journey, demonstrating how localised interventions have built lasting community resilience and institutional strength.

Key stakeholders highlighted the transformative shifts achieved over the past decade:

  • Strengthened Primary Healthcare: Systematic support to public health facilities expanded Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) care, routine immunisations, and emergency responses to climate shocks like floods and heatwaves.
  • Equitable, Quality Education: Teacher training and interactive learning methodologies improved classroom standards, boosted overall student enrollment, and significantly increased girls’ access to education.
  • Institutional Sustainability: Local governance mechanisms, such as village-level committees and school management structures, were established to ensure communities remain active stewards of their own development.

Voices on Sustainability and System Integration

“Sustaining these achievements relies on the continued, shared commitment of government departments and local communities to ensure no child or family is left behind.”

Event Panelists

  • Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure: Dr. Mohammed Ali Nohri, District Health Officer (DHO) Umerkot, emphasised how a decade of collaboration bolstered the capacity of government health facilities, frontline medical staff, and mobile health outreach in remote, underserved areas.
  • Expanding Educational Equity: Mr. Mir Hasan Arisar, District Education Officer (ES&HS), noted that teacher capacity strengthening and community-school engagement have set a high benchmark for quality education, offering a sustainable model for broader district-wide replication.
  • Fostering Transparent Partnerships: District Leadership and Education Focal Persons acknowledged the value of transparent, accountable collaboration between civil society and local government in delivering essential public services.
  • Grassroots Transformation: Mr. Abdul Karim, a schoolteacher from Viklokar Village, shared how practical pedagogical training revolutionised classroom environments, increased girls’ retention, and fostered stronger trust between schools and rural families.

A Shared Commitment to the Future

The event concluded with symbolic handovers and mutual recognition between CWSA, local government authorities, educators, and community focal points, underscoring a shared journey of localised leadership and mutual trust.

As the project transitions fully into local hands, CWSA extends its deep gratitude to Act for Peace (AFP), the Australian Government (DFAT-AusAid), Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), local government line departments, educators, and community volunteers. Their unwavering solidarity over the last eleven years has ensured that quality healthcare and education remain lasting rights for the communities of Umerkot.

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