In a significant move, Pakistan has announced its participation in the upcoming 28th session of the UN Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, where it aims to spotlight crucial climate resilience initiatives and advocate for global collaboration. The conference, scheduled from November 30 to December 12, is expected to draw around 70,000 attendees, including world leaders, scholars, and youth representatives.
Ministry of Climate Change Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah outlined Pakistan’s key priorities at COP28, emphasizing the establishment of a loss and damage fund architecture and its operationalization. Pakistan intends to contribute actively to the “first global stocktake,” assessing global progress on climate action and advancing the mitigation work program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
One of Pakistan’s primary focuses will be on climate finance, urging developed nations to fulfill their commitment of mobilizing $100 billion annually to support developing countries in responding to climate change. Shah highlighted the need for accountability, stressing that Pakistan’s greenhouse gas emissions account for only one percent globally, compared to the significant contributions of wealthier nations.
Reflecting on last year’s COP27 in Egypt, where unprecedented monsoon rains and floods impacted Pakistan, Shah recalled the country’s theme: “What happened in Pakistan will not stay in Pakistan.” This year, the slogan is “building resilience together,” symbolizing Pakistan’s commitment to collaborative efforts in climate adaptation.
Pakistan plans to set up a dedicated pavilion at COP28, hosting panel discussions on critical issues related to climate resilience. The pavilion will showcase projects and initiatives aimed at building climate resilience, with a dynamic agenda evolving daily.
Shah highlighted Pakistan’s pivotal role in securing an agreement on the loss and damage fund during COP27, advocating for a global fund to address climate-induced disasters. Pakistan aims to push for the inclusion of developing countries in the fund, diverging from the developed nations’ focus on the least developed states.
Emphasizing the importance of adaptation measures, Shah stressed their crucial role in disaster preparedness and capacity building, particularly for countries like Pakistan. He concluded by urging a balanced approach to climate finance, not only concentrating on mitigation but also emphasizing adaptation.
As Pakistan prepares to actively engage in COP28, its focus on climate resilience initiatives and calls for global cooperation underscore the nation’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by climate change on the international stage.
