ISLAMABAD: , Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC) Romina Khurshid Alam on Friday stressed the need for decisive climate action while highlighting Pakistan’s leadership in global climate governance.

Speaking at a seminar titled “COP 29 Commitments to COP 30 Action: A Critical Analysis” at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), she called for collective efforts to address the escalating climate crisis.

A statement issued by the ministry said that her remarks were based on the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report, and underscored the global community’s failure to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C temperature goal.

Romina lauded Pakistan’s contributions at COP29, particularly its role in technical negotiations and bilateral engagements, positioning the nation as a prominent voice in international climate discussions.

She emphasised the importance of establishing trusted and transparent cross-border carbon markets, which, she noted, could reduce the global cost of implementing nationally determined contributions (NDCs) by up to $250 billion annually.

For Pakistan, this mechanism could bolster efforts to meet its climate commitments.

The seminar featured panelists from MoCC, including Additional Secretary Zulfiqar Younas and Carbon Market Specialist Sana Rasool, alongside academicians from NUST, such as Dr Faisal Abbas, Dr Majid Ali, and Dr Salman Atif.

Discussions centered around the potential of carbon credits and the vital role academia can play in addressing climate impacts.

Highlighting financial opportunities, PM’s aide pointed to the $300 billion annual core commitment under the Baku Finance Goal and the projected $1 trillion in carbon market flows by 2050.

These resources, she explained, could significantly aid Pakistan in implementing its climate strategies, particularly in the areas of mitigation and adaptation. “Pakistan must strategically position itself to access these financial flows to support its climate projects,” she urged.

She also noted that over $730 million had been pledged for climate projects starting in 2025. These funds, she emphasised, could help Pakistan recover from climate-induced disasters, such as the catastrophic 2022 floods.

Ms Romina underlined the importance of gender-responsive climate action, citing the extension of the Lima Work Programme on Gender. She highlighted its potential to empower grassroots women’s organisations and indigenous communities in climate adaptation and mitigation.

Furthermore, she stressed the need to enhance data management and reporting systems to meet international requirements. By doing so, Pakistan could benefit from capacity-building initiatives and bolster its climate governance through improved transparency frameworks.

The government official expressed a desire to maintain the momentum of Pakistan’s leadership at COP29, emphasizing the critical role of evidence-based insights and partnerships with academic institutions like NUST. “Academia can ensure that Pakistan remains competitive in emerging global climate finance and carbon markets,” she said.

She also introduced the Greentech Hub, an innovative initiative designed to drive technological solutions, enabling Pakistani industries to meet international climate benchmarks. “A strategic focus on these opportunities will align Pakistan’s climate goals with its broader sustainable development priorities,” she concluded.

According to the organizers the seminar served as a platform to chart a way forward for Pakistan’s climate ambitions, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to global climate action while leveraging opportunities for sustainable growth.

Published in Dawn, January 11th, 2025