Romina Khurshid Alam, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, inaugurated Nestlé Pakistan’s inaugural urban forest plantation drive in Islamabad, aiming to plant 100,000 trees. Organized under the Nestlé Cares initiative in partnership with the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the project supports efforts to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint and advance Nestlé’s Net Zero target by 2050.
Speaking at the event, Alam emphasized the power of public-private collaboration, stating, “Together, we are not merely planting trees – we are building a legacy for future generations,” and praised Nestlé’s commitment and cooperation with CDA.
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Jason Avanceña, CEO of Nestlé Pakistan, highlighted the pressing need to address climate change. He noted that Nestlé’s continuous investments in sustainability—such as planting urban forests—are vital for reversing deforestation and working towards a greener future. He added that such initiatives, along with investments in renewable energy, underscore the company’s dedication to creating shared value for communities.
Government officials also expressed their support. Interior Secretary Capt (retd) Khurram Agha urged everyone to adopt similar practices to contribute to the country’s broader climate action agenda. Federal Education Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani announced plans to involve students from schools and colleges in the urban forest drive to promote environmental awareness among the youth.
CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa remarked that Nestlé’s commitment to planting 100,000 trees provides a significant boost toward Islamabad’s target of planting 1 million trees by 2025 and encouraged other companies to join the effort.
The urban forest will feature 100,000 indigenous trees, including species such as Kachnar, Sukhchain, Sapium, Amaltas, and Jacaranda, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land).
With over 35 years of presence in Pakistan, Nestlé, headquartered in Switzerland, remains dedicated to being a force for good throughout its value chain by creating shared value for communities and making a positive environmental impact.
