ISLAMABAD: Nestlé Pakistan was recognized with two sustainability awards at the 29th Sustainable Development Conference and Sustainability Investment Expo in Islamabad. The accolades highlight Nestlé Pakistan's initiatives in promoting sustainability and advancing regenerative food systems and circularity across its value chain.
According to Nestlé Pakistan Limited, the awards also coincide with the company's involvement in a high-level plenary session titled "Transforming Pakistan's Agriculture and Food Systems in an Age of Disruption: AI for Regenerative and Climate-Smart Agriculture." During the session, Faisal Nadeem, Head of Technical at Nestlé Pakistan, emphasized the need for regenerative agriculture, stating, "With cultivable land under increasing pressure and soil health declining, the need to transition towards regenerative agriculture has never been greater."
Anita Hirsch, Country Director of the World Food Programme in Pakistan, addressed the humanitarian perspective, noting the importance of ensuring food security amid climate and economic disruptions. She highlighted the role of AI and supply-chain solutions in working with local communities.
Katarzyna Grzybowska, Sustainability Delivery Manager at Nestlé S.A Global, shared insights from Nestlé's global initiatives, underscoring the company's commitment to sourcing 50% of key ingredients from farmers practicing regenerative agriculture by 2030. She emphasized the need for adapting solutions to local realities and fostering a collaborative approach across the food system.
Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director at SDPI, discussed the challenges faced by Pakistan's agriculture due to climate change and economic disruptions, and the potential of AI and smart agriculture in facilitating a transition. Sheikh Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Nestlé Pakistan & Afghanistan, stressed the importance of moving from ambition to action in building resilient food systems.
Dr. Zaigham Shahzad, Associate Professor at LUMS, highlighted the role of education, research, and innovation in creating a resilient agricultural system in Pakistan. He mentioned a certification program launched with Nestlé to accelerate this transition.
The recognitions reflect Nestlé Pakistan's efforts in scaling regenerative agriculture practices, supported by solar systems, biogas plants, and water-saving technologies. Nestlé Pakistan's Clean Gilgit-Baltistan Project has managed over 11,000 tons of plastic and paper packaging waste. The company's initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Climate Action, Zero Hunger, and Responsible Consumption and Production.