NDRMF, ministry to engage stakeholders to tackle climate change

Islamabad:In the buildup to COP28, the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) has collaborated with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, orchestrating a series of events to tackle the urgent challenges posed by the climate change.

This collective effort aims to engage a diverse array of stakeholders, ranging from government bodies to international entities, NGOs, and academia, with the central goal of fortifying Pakistan's climate resilience agenda.

As the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change, Pakistan advocated for the 'Loss and Damage' fund during the previous COP27. However, global neglect and implementation issues marred its effectiveness. Hosting COP28, the United Arab Emirates presented a comprehensive agenda emphasizing collective negotiations, awareness, accountability, and action in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Ahmad Irfan Aslam, the Federal Minister for Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, emphasized the mission to mainstream climate change in economically and socially vulnerable sectors. Despite Pakistan's minimal carbon footprint, the nation finds itself on the frontline of climate change susceptibility, necessitating global collaboration.

Bilal Anwar, CEO of NDRMF, highlighted the paramount importance of resilience in confronting climate challenges. Proactive negotiations, he stressed, would be crucial for COP28's success. The conference is set to focus on five key agendas: Loss and Damage Fund architecture, Global Stock Take report, mitigation work program, global goal on adaptation, and climate finance.

Key areas in the COP28 agenda include Loss and Damage, Climate Finance, and Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP). Recognizing Pakistan's vulnerability, the dialogue sought input from diverse stakeholders to effectively frame the country's agenda.

The commitment of the UAE to make COP28 a "COP for all and a COP of action" was underscored, with a notable emphasis on integrating private sector stakeholders alongside government leaders. Increased participation from the oil and gas sector and renewable energy stakeholders is anticipated.

The conference, marking the culmination of the first two-year Global Stock take since the Paris Agreement, seeks to provide a comprehensive assessment of global progress in mitigating climate change. As COP28 approaches, the world is reminded of the collective responsibility to urgently address climate change and build a sustainable legacy for future generations.