The School of Political Science at Minhaj University Lahore organized the 2nd International Conference on Climate Action, Irregular Migration, and Zero Hunger, bringing together national and international researchers, experts, and policymakers to take practical steps toward building a sustainable, secure, and inclusive world.
Prof. Dr. Hussain Qadri, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Governors at Minhaj University Lahore and Chair of the Conference, delivered a compelling keynote address titled "Climate Change and Global Waste Dumping: Challenges, Laws, and Impacts on Vulnerable Nations." His thought-provoking speech highlighted the deeply intertwined global challenges of climate change and toxic waste dumping, underscoring their disproportionate impacts on the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Prof. Dr. Hussain Qadri painted a vivid and urgent picture of the current environmental landscape, citing record-breaking temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation. He referenced the unprecedented floods in Pakistan in 2022 and the prolonged droughts in the Horn of Africa as stark reminders of climate breakdown. Echoing global voices like Pope Francis, he lamented the transformation of once-pristine environments into "immense piles of filth".
In a powerful extension beyond climate change, Prof. Dr. Hussain Qadri drew critical attention to the unchecked crisis of global waste dumping, particularly hazardous and electronic waste exported from wealthier nations to poorer ones. He characterized this exploitation as "toxic colonialism", where the Global North shifts environmental and health burdens onto the Global South. Emphasizing that environmental harms know no borders, he called for urgent action to address the poisoning of ecosystems and communities worldwide.
Prof. Dr. Hussain Qadri meticulously outlined international legal frameworks, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement, and the Basel Convention. While recognizing their importance, he stressed the significant gap between legal commitments and actual on-the-ground enforcement.
Highlighting alarming statistics and case studies, Prof. Dr. Hussain Qadri pointed to the deadly consequences of chemical exposure and informal e-waste recycling in countries like Ghana and Pakistan. He cited the tragic example of toxic waste dumping in Koko, Nigeria, and Pakistan’s hazardous shipbreaking industry at Gadani Beach, underscoring the human cost of environmental injustice.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Dr. Hussain Qadri issued a strong call for global environmental justice. He emphasized the need for robust enforcement of environmental laws, holding multinational corporations accountable, and empowering local communities to protect their environments. He advocated for preventive strategies such as investments in clean production, the adoption of circular economy principles, and promoting responsible consumption patterns.
Quoting a saying of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Prof. Dr. Hussain Qadri reminded the audience of humanity’s sacred role as stewards of the Earth. He urged all nations and communities to act with justice, compassion, and foresight to safeguard the planet for future generations.
His keynote address served as a powerful call to action, urging the international community to bridge the gap between environmental laws and real-world realities to protect the most vulnerable from the dual threats of climate change and toxic waste.
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