Pakistan Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Romina Khurshid Alam has said the upcoming COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, will be a crucial opportunity for Pakistan to present its climate initiatives, challenges, and solutions.
COP29 will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024, and will provide a global platform to vulnerable countries, including Pakistan, to advance their climate agendas.
During a meeting of development partners in Islamabad on September 18, Alam underlined the urgency of addressing the country’s climate vulnerabilities, urging development partners to contribute towards enhancing Pakistan’s participation in the summit.
Pakistan is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change, despite contributing less than 1% to global carbon emissions, she stated. Alam pointed out that climate disasters, such as the devastating 2022 floods, caused over PKR 24 billion in damages, severely impacting infrastructure and livelihoods.
She further stressed the need for greater collaboration in achieving Pakistan’s climate diplomacy goals while calling for strategic partnerships to promote gender equality and advance smart agriculture through private sector involvement. In particular, she sought cooperation with Business 20 (B20) countries to explore regional solutions for environmental challenges.
Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Aisha Humera Chaudhry, also addressed the meeting, sharing insights to ensure Pakistan’s success at COP29. She emphasized the need for a concrete plan to address the country’s climate challenges, with a strong focus on securing increased climate finance for adaptation projects.
Development partners from international institutions shared their ideas and initiatives to strengthen Pakistan’s role at COP29. Representatives from diplomatic missions, international organizations, and officials of the climate change ministry participated in the meeting.