Pakistan is set to take center stage at the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, this November, highlighting its cutting-edge climate initiatives.
Romina Khurshid Alam, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, announced that Pakistan would present some of its most promising climate-focused startups at the event. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Wildlife Art exhibition in Islamabad.
Launch of Green Technology Center
A key feature of Pakistan’s COP29 participation will be the unveiling of the Green Technology Centre, a flagship initiative aimed at bolstering the country’s green energy infrastructure and attracting significant foreign investment. “Having green energy technology is our advantage,” Alam emphasized, underlining the importance of innovation and sustainability.
She called on the business sector to support government efforts in expanding green energy solutions, adding, “Our main task is to make our country a leader in this field.”
Alam also highlighted the growing impact of climate change on Pakistan, and the potential role of art in raising public and policymaker awareness. “The power of fine arts and painting can be utilized to create awareness among political leaders and the public,” she noted. The Wildlife Art exhibition served as a platform for engaging the community on the urgent need for climate action.
NUST’s Green-Tech Hub and Startup Selection for COP29
Ahead of COP29, the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad launched the Green-Tech Hub (G-TH), a new facility aimed at promoting sustainable energy through green technologies, renewable solutions, and eco-friendly innovations. The hub will serve as a collaborative space for young entrepreneurs and industry experts to develop scalable projects targeting greenhouse gas reduction and other sustainability challenges.
At the launch event, Salaal Hassan, CEO of Ignite—a company focused on funding technology ventures—announced plans to select ten startups in sectors like agritech and energy to represent Pakistan at COP29. “Three of these startups will receive additional support for fundraising and job creation,” he said, encouraging young innovators to prioritize climate-related solutions.
Pakistan’s growing role in global climate efforts
The COP29 conference, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, will bring together global representatives in Azerbaijan to discuss climate impacts and adaptation strategies. Pakistan’s active participation in this international forum underscores its commitment to becoming a significant player in the global fight against climate change.
With initiatives like the Green Technology Centre and the Green-Tech Hub, Pakistan is not only showcasing its potential but also aiming to lead by example in addressing the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.