The “Eco-Leaders: Youth Leadership in Climate Mitigation” project, implemented by Accountability Lab Pakistan, was designed to empower young Pakistanis with the skills, knowledge, and platforms needed to take meaningful action against climate change. Conducted in Chitral, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Quetta, the initiative engaged 150 students through climate-focused boot camps, mentoring sessions, and environmental adoption seminars. Key objectives included building leadership capacity among students, fostering the development of climate action plans, promoting institutional climate-friendly policies, and establishing a network of committed young climate advocates. As a result, 16 action plans were integrated into university systems, three institutions committed to becoming “Green Campuses,” and the project reached over 900,000 people through social media advocacy.

The project achieved significant behavioral and institutional change by equipping participants with real-world insights through field visits and hands-on experiences. Students demonstrated increased environmental consciousness, initiated campus campaigns, and actively engaged with local policymakers. The sustainability of the initiative is supported by the institutional adoption of action plans, continued advocacy efforts, and the replication of training and mentoring models. Additionally, the project emphasized the importance of involving the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and informal education sectors to maximize impact. The behavioral transformation among students, reflected in their everyday eco-conscious decisions, further ensures the long-term success and sustainability of the project beyond its implementation phase.