Shanzay Khanzada (she/her), is a 21-year-old student studying Political Science, History and Environmental Studies at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). According to her ocean degradation is an anthropogenic issue which demands immediate action and attention if we are to pave the way for a cleaner, bluer seas. Growing up along the coast of Karachi, Shanzay has long witnessed how improper waste disposal taints the shores she once found solace in. Plastic debris and toxic runoff have become all too familiar sights, choking the marine life and transforming the pristine waters into a stark reminder of human disregard.
Eager to tackle the problem head on, Shanzay has been working with blue carbon developer, Delta Blue Carbon, helping them reforest approximately 350,000 hectares of mangroves across the coast of Sindh. Here, Shanzay spends her time empowering and uplifting local communities educating them on the effects of climate change while promoting sustainable lifestyles and practices. She has also represented the organisation at the World Bank’s “Roundtable Discussion on the Transformative Potential of Technology for Development,” where she advocated for the use of AI, ML, satellite imagery, drones, and LiDAR to help revive our oceans.
Shanzay has also worked with a local NGO called Madat Community, hosting Climate Awareness camps across Balochistan, educating over 150 children about key issues like ocean acidification, plastic pollution, and overfishing.
Beyond her field-based projects, Shanzay’s dedication to environmental advocacy is further reflected through her time at the State Bank of Pakistan. Collaborating with the World Bank and IMF to draft a Green Taxonomy for Pakistan, this initiative has ensured that financial systems align with international environmental standards, a critical step toward creating sustainable economic frameworks that support ocean conservation.
As a representative for Pakistan, Shanzay looks forward to bring her perspective to the council, leveraging her passion for environmental conservation to foster collaboration between stakeholders and enhancing engagement with World Ocean Day initiatives.