Punjab Climate Leadership Development Internship Program Phase II – Stipend, Eligibility & District Details 2025

The Punjab Climate Leadership Development Internship Program Phase II has officially entered a new phase of expansion and impact. As part of Punjab’s evolving climate governance strategy, the government has approved Phase II of the internship program. Ensuring that young graduates continue to receive high-quality training in climate change, environmental policy, research, and field operations. With the increasing importance of environmental resilience, this program represents one of the most significant youth-centered climate initiatives in Pakistan.

Government Approves Phase II of Punjab Climate Leadership Internship Program

The Punjab government has granted final approval to continue the Punjab Climate Leadership Development Internship Program Phase II, marking a major step in strengthening climate-focused human capital across the province. The summary for Phase II received official endorsement, indicating a broader vision to embed the program within Punjab’s development portfolio.

The Department of Environment & Climate Change proposed that this initiative be formally included in the annual development plan, ensuring sustainable funding, continuity, and expansion to multiple districts. This move highlights the government’s commitment to climate readiness and youth capacity building.

Objectives of the Expanded Climate Leadership Internship Program

The primary objective of this program is to develop a new generation of young professionals skilled in climate adaptation, environmental planning, and green policy implementation. Through rigorous fieldwork and hands-on assignments, the program aims to:

• Build climate literacy among young graduates
• Strengthen policy development skills related to environmental governance
• Equip participants with practical leadership capabilities
• Encourage youth-driven solutions for environmental challenges
• Promote active participation in climate mitigation and adaptation projects

This strategic focus ensures that participants evolve into competent climate leaders, ready to contribute in both public and private sectors.

Training Areas Under Phase II – Climate Change, Environmental Policy & Field Assignments

The upcoming phase of the Punjab Climate Leadership Internship Program introduces an advanced training structure tailored to real-world climate challenges. Interns will engage in:

• Climate Change Science & Impacts

A deep understanding of greenhouse gases, global warming, natural disasters, and climate vulnerability specific to Pakistan.

• Environmental Policy Frameworks

Comprehensive exposure to provincial, national, and international environmental laws, treaties, and regulatory frameworks.

• Fieldwork & Hands-on Project Participation

Interns will contribute to ongoing environmental projects, including:

• Plantation drives
• Air quality monitoring
• Waste management mapping
• Urban climate resilience studies
• Data collection for environmental reports

• Practical Leadership Development

Interns will learn communication, environmental advocacy, community engagement, and project management skills to emerge as future climate leaders.

Monthly Stipend – Rs 60,000 for Interns

One of the most notable features of Phase II is the Rs 60,000 monthly stipend offered to selected interns. This financial support ensures that talented youth can participate without economic constraints.

The stipend also reflects the program’s seriousness in building a professional climate workforce that is trained and compensated like early-career environmental experts.

Eligibility Criteria for Punjab Climate Leadership Internship Program

To ensure high-quality intake, the program selects candidates based on strict criteria. Eligible applicants must:

• Be recent graduates or young professionals from relevant fields
• Hold degrees in environmental sciences, climate studies, engineering, social sciences, public policy, or related disciplines
• Possess strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills
• Demonstrate passion for environmental protection and community service
• Be willing to participate in full-time training and fieldwork

The selection process is merit-based and designed to ensure that only motivated, skilled individuals are chosen.

Major Achievements of Phase I – Building the Foundation for Phase II

Phase I witnessed overwhelming success, providing practical experience to hundreds of students across Punjab. Key achievements include:

• Young graduates worked directly with environmental experts and senior policy-makers
• Participants gained exposure to Punjab’s most critical environmental challenges
• Several interns contributed to research reports, field surveys, and policy drafts
• Many graduates from Phase I subsequently joined government institutions, NGOs, and climate bodies

These accomplishments showcase the program’s tangible impact and justify its continued expansion.

Phase II Expansion – More Districts to Benefit

The government has decided to extend the internship program to additional districts across Punjab, ensuring wider participation and increased environmental engagement. This expansion will allow more youth to benefit from training in:

• District-level environmental monitoring
• Local climate adaptation initiatives
• Regional green development projects

The province-wide network of climate interns will strengthen data collection, research capacity, and environmental awareness at all local levels.

Role of the Environment & Climate Change Department

The Department of Environment & Climate Change Punjab plays a critical role in designing, implementing, and supervising the program. As part of its development agenda, the department is responsible for:

• Identifying environmental priorities
• Designing training modules
• Deploying interns on field assignments
• Coordinating with district administrations
• Monitoring the impact of the internship program

The inclusion of this internship in Punjab’s development program will ensure long-term continuity and strategic strengthening.

Long-Term Impact of the Punjab Climate Leadership Development Internship Program

The long-term implications of this program are far-reaching. By training youth in climate resilience and environmental stewardship, Punjab is investing in:

• A skilled green workforce
• Improved environmental governance
• Stronger climate adaptation strategies
• Better management of pollution, waste, and natural resources
• Empowered youth leadership in environmental policymaking

This initiative serves as a model for other provinces aiming to build climate-smart governance structures.

How the Program Empowers Youth for Climate Action

Young graduates are positioned at the forefront of climate solutions. Through this program, they receive:

• Professional exposure
• Research and policy experience
• Leadership and communication training
• On-ground understanding of environmental systems

This empowers them to drive innovative climate solutions, assume leadership roles, and contribute effectively to Pakistan’s environmental future.

Conclusion

The Punjab Climate Leadership Development Internship Program Phase II reflects a visionary effort by the government to enable young people to lead Pakistan’s climate and environmental transformation. With broader district coverage, enhanced training modules, and a generous monthly stipend, the program is set to create a new wave of skilled climate professionals ready to support sustainable development across Punjab.