UNITED NATIONS, Aug 2: Pakistan on Wednesday asked the world’s rich countries to provide developing countries additional financing to help them meet the challenges of climate change.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly during a thematic debate on “Climate change as a Global Challenge”, Pakistan’s Minister for Environment Makhdoom Faisal Saleh Hayat said developed countries should support and assist efforts of the developing countries to adapt to climate change and the response measures designed to address climate change.

Mr Hayat who was speaking on behalf of the G-77 plus China, representing 135 countries, said that the transfer of technology to the developing countries, including improved financial instruments and mechanisms, should be at affordable, preferential and concessional terms.

He said the G-77 and China also emphasised the urgent need for building the resilience of communities and nations to natural disasters, including those related to climate change and establishing early warning systems.