LAHORE: French Ambassador Nicolas Galey and Planning and Development Board Chairman Nabeel Awan on Monday signed a Declaration of Intent, reaffirming the French government’s commitment to combating air pollution and smog in Punjab through a €1.2 million grant. The agreement demonstrates the strong commitment of the French government to support Punjab in its fight against air pollution and smog. In order to address the pressing issue of air pollution and its direct connection with urban mobility and solid waste management, the P&D Board, in collaboration with the French Development Agency (AFD), also organised an interactive workshop at the AKS Auditorium in the board. The session was attended by senior officers of relevant departments, environmental experts and stakeholders from various sectors. The workshop was a key part of the Inception Mission of AFD Pakistan, with participation from AIRPARIF and SYCTOM, two leading French entities specialising in air pollution control, urban mobility, and solid waste management. The mission, financed by the French Embassy, marks a significant step in strengthening the ongoing collaboration between the Punjab government and AFD under the FEXTE Air Pollution initiative. The funding secured through this collaboration is expected to expand the scope of the initiative, and French environmental experts will offer their expertise to help reduce hazardous air pollutants in Punjab. Speaking at the session, French Ambassador Nicolas Galey highlighted the impact of climate change and expressed his hopes for mutual understanding and further collaboration in the future. P&D Board chairman Nabeel Awan, emphasised the urgency of addressing air pollution and its multidimensional impact on public health, environment and the economy. He lauded the French ambassador for his commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship. P&D Board secretary Dr Asif Tufail said the collaborative effort under the FEXTE Air Pollution initiative reflected both countries’ determination to improve urban sustainability and create healthier, more livable cities. As the project progresses, he said, the stakeholders would continue to work together to implement effective, long-term solutions to the region’s environmental challenges. French Embassy Economic Counsellor Laurent Chopiton, AFD South Asia Regional Director Yazid Bensaid, AFD Country Director Vincent Thevenot, CEO Urban Unit Omer Masud, AFD Urban Specialist Ahsan Paracha, DG AIRPARIF Karine Leger, Project Manager Syctom Nathalie Amiot, Assistant Chief of External Capital Assistance at P&D Board Omer Liquat Randhawa, and representatives from the Urban Unit, agriculture, transport, industries and representatives of other departments concerned participated.