Need to focus on climate diplomacy respecting regional values stressed

Islamabad : Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Romina Khurshid Alam has said that Pakistan needs to concentrate on climate diplomacy respecting regional norms and values while spearheading global focus on enhanced climate finance for less developed vulnerable countries.

MNA Rumiba was speaking at Pre-COP29 Summit on "Pakistan's climate resilience: road to COP29" organised here by Pak-Ger­man Climate and Energy Partnership (PGCEP) in collaboration with Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI). Ms Romina stressed the need for Pakistan to prioritise climate adaptation strategies that respect regional contexts and vulnerabilities. She affirmed Pakistan's role as a vocal advocate for climate-vulnerable nations.

In his keynote address, Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director, SDPI, emphasised the urgency of climate action, noting that the withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement commitments weakened global climate agendas. He acknowledged the concerted efforts of the EU and China to maintain focus on climate issues despite setbacks. He said that controversy surrounding the Loss and Damage Fund prevails. Still, despite this, there is an opportunity to co-opt oil-producing states as part of the solution to address climate change and to mobilise finance for climate action. “Baku as COP29 host can contribute to carbon markets and carbon credits trading amid many daunting challenges like green washing. However, the COP29 presidency had streamlined many of those issues,” he said.

Pakistan, Dr Abid said that Pakistan has to remain an active representative of the 220 million resilient people who stood firm against adverse impacts of climate change. Welcoming the summit participants, Wolfgang Hesse, Cluster Coordinator, Energy & Climate Change, GIZ Pakistan highlighted Germany’s robust commitment to addressing climate and energy initiatives in Pakistan. The Pakistan-German Climate & Energy Partnership represents technical and financial cooperation over €500 million is meticulously designed to bolster Pakistan’s climate ambition. Our financial cooperation is pivotal in facilitating a just energy transition, aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement and Agenda 2030.

Dr Shafqat Munir, Deputy Executive Director, SDPI, voiced strong concerns over the limited support from developed countries towards a comprehensive Loss and Damage Fund, citing an alarming financial gap. He emphasised the urgent need to operationalise and adequately fund this initiative, advocating for fair contributions from wealthier nations to aid communities facing severe climate-induced hardships.