ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority has sought technical and institutional support from the United Nations to advance its climate action agenda and access global carbon credit mechanisms as part of Islamabad’s expanding green drive. The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions, strengthen environmental governance and align the capital with international climate frameworks.

The proposal was discussed during a meeting between CDA officials and the United Nations Senior Coordination Officer for Climate and Environment, Alex Forbes. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon, CDA Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch, Director General Resource and other senior officers. The discussions focused on environmental protection measures and pathways for acquiring carbon credits in the federal capital.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said the authority is implementing a comprehensive and long term strategy to improve Islamabad’s environmental footprint. He stated that CDA intends to benefit from global carbon markets and climate finance frameworks by developing projects that contribute to measurable emission reductions and sustainable urban development.

He highlighted that CDA is actively expanding the city’s green cover by converting brown and underutilised areas into green spaces. The authority is also working on modern solid waste management initiatives that can significantly reduce methane emissions and qualify for carbon credit certification under international standards.

The chairman further noted that Islamabad’s electric feeder bus project, comprising 160 environmentally friendly vehicles, is already operational and delivering positive environmental outcomes. He added that future plans include the expansion of electric transport systems such as electric trams and other eco friendly mobility solutions to further cut emissions and improve urban connectivity.

United Nations Senior Coordination Officer Alex Forbes welcomed CDA’s initiatives and emphasised the importance of technical cooperation for climate action. He said the UN would consider providing technical assistance for carbon credit acquisition under international green programs. Chairman CDA concluded that enhanced collaboration with the UN and development partners is critical to building institutional capacity and ensuring practical progress toward climate resilience and carbon market participation.