🌍 Welcome to CO₂ Talks 2026

Uniting Voices for a Greener Future

COâ‚‚ Talks 2026 is where climate innovation, sustainability leadership, and bold ideas converge. Held on April 22, 2026 (Earth Day), this event brings together industry experts, activists, researchers, and policy-makers to tackle the climate crisis through dialogue, action, and collaboration.

🗓 Mark Your Calendar – Key Dates

  • đź”´ January 22, 2026 – Sponsorship Deadline

  • đźź  February 22, 2026 – Registration Closes

  • 🟡 March 22, 2026 – Keynote Speaker Submissions Due

  • 🟢 April 22, 2026 – Event Day – Let’s Make a Difference!

From engaging talks and expert panels to networking opportunities and climate showcases, COâ‚‚ Talks 2026 is your platform to create impact.

👉 Be part of the movement. Be part of the solution.

Just Transition

On April 22, 2025  Earth Day, (PRGMEA), in collaboration with Government College University (GCU) Lahore, successfully hosted the pioneering one-day climate conference, “CO₂ Talks.” Held at the historic GCU campus, the event brought together a diverse mix of industry leaders, policymakers, academics, sustainability experts, and civil society. With strategic support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the National Compliance Centre (NCC), Ministry of Commerce, the conference reflected a united front for Pakistan’s climate action and sustainability

        

  • Capacity-Building for Students and SMEs – Trained students from GCU, UMT, PTUT, LUMS on carbon accounting, renewable energy systems, and sustainability reporting, while also equipping SMEs with practical tools to reduce emissions
 
  • Global Partnerships and Knowledge Sharing – Expanded collaboration with the US Consulate, WWF, and other international platforms, positioning Pakistan as an active contributor in the global climate and trade agenda.
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  • COP30 Observer Status – PRGMEA achieved a historic milestone by securing observer status at COP30 (Brazil), granting Pakistan’s textile sector an official presence at global climate negotiations.
  • International Collaboration: British Council grant for sustainable fashion project focusing on low carbon and low environmental impact garments; cultural and design exchanges for inclusive sustainability pathways.
 
  • Green Pakistan Project with German Importer Association – Green Pakistan Project This is an initiative supported by Sequa GmbH (Germany) and implemented by VFI – German Importers Association with Fruit of Sustainability (FOS) as local partner. Working with PRGMEA, PSGMEA, and TMA, the project helps Pakistan’s industries align with the EU Green Deal, EUCSDDD, and German Due Diligence Act (LkSG). It empowers associations to promote sustainability, support member companies in sustainability reporting, improve working conditions—especially for women—and ensure compliance with global standards for a more sustainable and competitive future.

Mitigation

PRGMEA is leading Pakistan’s textile industry on the journey towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. Through strong partnerships with academia, industry, and global organizations, we are advancing innovative projects that directly address climate challenges.

Carbon Footprinting Pilots with SMEs – Conducted complete greenhouse gas (GHG) assessments for member companies enabling them to measure emissions, improve
resource efficiency, and prepare sustainability reports. These pilots are setting replicable benchmarks for the wider SME community.

 

  • Biochar Research with NUST – Explore the pathway with the School of Chemical and Materials Engineering, NUST Islamabad, for the use of biochar for carbon sequestration, soil restoration, and waste-to-resource solutions in the textile value chain.
  • Afforestation with GCU Botany Department – In collaboration with Prof. Dr. Zaheer-ud-Din Khan (Chairperson, Botany Department, GCU Lahore), PRGMEA launched a large-scale native tree plantation initiative designed to enhance biodiversity, restore urban ecosystems, and create permanent carbon sinks.
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  • Energy Transition Modelling with LUMS – Collaborated with the Energy Institute, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) under Dr. Fiaz Ahmad Chaudhry to design renewable energy adoption models for textile manufacturers, supporting their shift to clean energy.
  • Road to Decarbonisation Dialogues Brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts in partnership with WWF-Pakistan and GIZ to outline actionable pathways for reducing textile cluster emissions.
  • Commitment to Net-Zero: A PRGMEA (NZ) member company has proudly signed the SME Climate Commitment under the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Utilizing the SME Climate Hub’s innovative tools, the company is actively developing and implementing a sustainability strategy strengthening our collective dedication to a greener, climate-resilient future. 
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·       PRGMEA actively promotes the adoption of biofuel as a sustainable alternative fuel, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster an energy transition within the textile sector. Notably, one member company has already integrated biodiesel into its operations, exemplifying practical implementation of cleaner energy solutions and reinforcing PRGMEA’s commitment to climate mitigation.

·       PRGMEA , in collaboration with GFC Fans, is supporting members in replacing outdated fans with high-efficiency industrial models, delivering up to 40% energy savings. This mitigation measure reduces emissions, lowers operational costs, and advances PRGMEA’s commitment to low-carbon growth and SDG 13 Climate Action.

Adaptation

·       Policy Advocacy: Urging for sustainability hubs across cities to coordinate
national climate resilience efforts, including consultation and supporting
National Compliance Center (NCC), Ministry of Commerce, Government of Pakistan.

·     Industry Transformation: Adoption of modular production and
water-saving technologies to withstand climate and resource stress.

·       Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Advocacy: Promote factory retrofits (heat-resilient roofing, flood-proofing, natural ventilation).

·   Adaptation Planning (extended to resilience): While focused on emissions reduction, the committee is supporting adaptation planning with the member industries (e.g., energy & water efficiency, sustainable materials).

·       Member Industry contributions: LEED/green buildings that reduce vulnerability to extreme heat and flooding, for SMEs that cannot afford LEED certification, insulation of the roof is being practiced to keep the internal temperatures moderate.

·        Water Stress Management: Sector-wide rainwater harvesting promotion with the help of WWF-Pakistan and local experts to promote collective water stewardship.