ISLAMABAD: Two days after the United Nations predicted that Pakistan might become unbearably hot by the end of the century, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Egypt to attend the COP27 conference and highlight threats faced by the country due to the adverse impact of climate change.

A press release by the Prime Minister Office said Mr Sharif was received at the Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport by high-level Egyptian officials, Pakistan’s ambassador to Egypt and officials of the embassy.

Accompanied by members of the federal cabinet and senior officials, PM Sharif would urge the world to deliver on its commitment to support developing nations, including Pakistan, to tackle the impacts of climate change.

The prime minister, who is the chair of G-77 — a coalition of 134 developing countries at the UN — will also attend ‘The Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Implementation Summit’ from Nov 7 to 8. The summit will be hosted by the Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Mr Sharif is also scheduled to meet a number of global leaders during and at the sidelines of the conference.

Before leaving for Egypt, the prime minister called the conference “a watershed moment” in the fight against climate change. “#COP27 being held in Egypt can be a watershed in humanity’s fight against climate change and global warming. Extreme climatic events in Pakistan and Horn of Africa this year have showcased globalisation of climate change. Turning a blind eye to its lethal effects will be criminal,” he tweeted.

Stressing on monetary support for developing nations, the prime minister added that he would “urge the world to deliver on its commitment on climate finance and loss and damage fund”.

“Without financial support, the developing countries will continue to remain exposed to the multifarious threats of climate change. We are asking for climate justice. Our post-disaster needs assessment has shown that Pakistan’s journey to recovery and rehabilitation can be held back by public debt, rising international energy and food prices and lack of access to adaption funds. The world should treat Pakistan as a case study,” he tweeted.

Meanwhile, Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said Pakistan attached great importance to COP27, adding that the conference would consider the need for urgent action on climate change as well as climate justice issues.

She said that the prime minister will present Pakistan’s position on important issues in his address to the heads of state during the World Leaders Summit. PM Sharif will also meet UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

According to the prime minister’s schedule, he will participate in a high-level round-table conference, along with his Norwegian counterpart and attend the “Middle East Green Initiative Summit” on Nov 7, she said.

Last month, COP27 announced that PM Sharif will be the vice-chairperson for the conference.

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2022