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

She was speaking at a pre-COP29 summit on ‘Pakistan’s climate resilience: road to COP29’ organised by the Pak-German Climate and Energy Partnership in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).

She 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.

SDPI Executive Director Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri emphasised the urgency of climate action, noting that the withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement commitments had weakened global climate agendas.

He acknowledged the concerted efforts of the EU and China to maintain focus on climate issues despite setbacks.

“Controversy surrounding the Loss and Damage Fund prevails. Still, 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, COP29 presidency had streamlined many of those issues,” he said.

“Pakistan is an active member of the international community that played lead role in operationalisation of Loss and Damage Fund. Pakistan has to remain an active representative of the 220 million resilient people who stood firm against adverse impacts of climate change,” he added.

Wolfgang Hesse, Cluster Coordinator Energy and Climate Change, GIZ Pakistan, highlighted Germany’s robust commitment to addressing climate and energy initiatives in Pakistan.

SDPI Deputy Executive Director Dr Shafqat Munir voiced 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 the initiative, advocating for fair contributions from wealthier nations to aid communities facing severe climate-induced hardships.

Sohail Malik from the Climate Resourcing Coordination Centre highlighted Pakistan’s potential in green finance but stressed the need for better-defined climate finance frameworks.

Anam Zeb from the German Red Cross underscored the importance of distinguishing between response funding and adaptation funding.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2024