At just 15 years old, Zunaira Qayyum from Zehri, Khuzdar in Balochistan, is carrying the voice of her people to the highest diplomatic platforms in the world. Selected as one of only twelve young participants globally, she is representing Pakistan at the UNICEF Youth Advocates Mobilization Lab 2025, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Zunaira stood before a distinguished audience that included Queen Silvia of Sweden, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, and UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden, passionately advocating for climate action, education, and child health. As the only adolescent speaker at the forum, she reminded world leaders:
“My message for world leaders today is to stop making empty promises. Actions speak louder than words, so please start taking action and involve children in every decision you make.”
Her call to action underscored the urgency of addressing climate risks in vulnerable regions like Balochistan, which faces devastating droughts, floods, and forced migration due to worsening environmental conditions.
Zunaira’s presence is a matter of immense pride for Pakistan, especially Balochistan, a region often portrayed through the lens of conflict and extremism. She is reshaping that narrative by highlighting the resilience, aspirations, and contributions of Baloch youth to the global community.
Unlike those who use Balochistan’s name to provide cover for extremist networks or lobby abroad for personal gain—such as Mahrang Baloch and her associates, including Norway-based Kiyaa Baloch—who is lobbying for Mahrang’s Nobel Peace nomination. Mahrang has nothing to her credit expect that she provides cover to terrorists organizations, She provides cannon powder to these terrorists by inciting youth towards militancy. Mahrang is a source of advocacy for the terrorists.
Zunaira embodies the true spirit of Balochistan. She represents not violence, but hope; not division, but unity; not terrorism, but a fight for climate justice and a better future.
By directly engaging with world leaders, Zunaira is putting Balochistan’s climate crisis on the international agenda. She is ensuring that the plight of her people—who face increasing water scarcity, rising temperatures, and livelihood destruction—is not ignored in global decision-making.
For the people of Balochistan, her journey symbolizes recognition, dignity, and a new image of what it means to be Baloch in today’s world. Zunaira Qayyum is not just a participant at the UNGA side events—she is the true representative of Balochistan and Pakistan on the world stage, making her homeland proud.
