ISLAMABAD: As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) prepares to host a major international climate conference, its embassy in Islamabad organized an eco-friendly marathon on Saturday to highlight the importance of sustainable development and climate resilience across the world.

This is the third consecutive year the UAE diplomatic mission has organized the marathon in Pakistan’s federal capital. The 10-kilometer “ecothon” this year was arranged in coordination with the Prime Minister’s Youth Program.

Officials and ambassadors along with members of the general public participated in the run which was held at the Constitution Avenue in Islamabad.

“This is the third year we are organizing this marathon in Islamabad, and it is the first time it has happened outside the Diplomatic Enclave,” UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi said while addressing a gathering.

He noted the UAE and Pakistan had always worked closely to organize different activities in the country, adding the theme of this year’s marathon was climate change to raise awareness about the issue.

“As the Emirates is hosting the largest UN Conference, COP28, later this year in November, the UAE will focus on building bridges to advance international efforts that will support the Global South and countries that are most vulnerable to climate change, such as Pakistan, and finding practical solutions that ensure energy security while reducing emissions,” he added.

Al-Zaabi maintained that “remarkable participation” was witnessed from people belonging to all walks of life, reflecting the longstanding brotherhood, partnerships and shared values between the two countries.

“[At COP28], the UAE will focus on ensuring inclusive sustainable progress that protects communities most impacted by climate change,” he continued.

The UAE envoy appealed to civil society members to play their role in driving climate action across key sectors to reduce emissions and build resilience.

“We should all focus on [building] awareness [about] climate change as Pakistan is the fifth most-affected country from the adverse impact of climate change, therefore, all of us should unitedly raise this issue globally,” he added.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Youth Affairs Shaza Fatima said the marathon was part of a series of pre-COP28 events where the government of Pakistan was collaborating with the UAE to promote healthy sports activities among young as well as elderly people.

“The Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have taken great steps regarding the green environment to deal with climate change issues and we would like to benefit from them through such events,” she told Arab News.

“We will also organize a startup competition regarding the environment and also discuss different exchange programs for our youth with the UAE government.”

In exchange and mentorship programs, Fatima continued, young Pakistani students could go to the UAE to acquire advanced knowledge and experience, especially in technology, innovations and artificial intelligence.

Romina Khurshid Alam, Convener National Sustainable Development Goals Task Force and a special assistant to the prime minister, said the successful organization of the marathon showed the seriousness of the UAE about COP28.

“As we have seen participants, including young girls, boys, women, and men from all walks of life, this diversity will help [achieve] the goal of a clean and green Pakistan,” she told Arab News.

Roberto Neccia, a diplomat from the Italian embassy who was running in the marathon, said the event not only promoted a good message but also provided the foreigners an opportunity to mingle with Pakistani people and spend some hours together.

“The issue of climate change has become very sensitive, and this marathon will promote this idea of a green environment among future generations,” he told Arab News.

Student Aqsa Mughal, who participated in the event, said she was enthusiastic about running and joined the marathon to promote a healthy lifestyle and the message of green Pakistan.

Runner Bilal Ehsan, the co-founder of the Islamabad running club, also praised the UAE embassy for its initiative and for providing a platform for the people to run free of charge in the capital.

“The UAE ambassador himself is very fond of running and recently, he helped us to go to the Dubai marathon as well,” he told Arab News, adding that eight of the people from his club participated in the Dubai marathon.

“Instead of doing it once a year, they should arrange it multiple times so that more people come out to participate and adopt the healthy lifestyle,” he added.