Islamabad: Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), Romina Khurshid Alam, underscored the significance of COP29 as a platform for Pakistan to present its climate actions, challenges, and potential solutions. She made these remarks while addressing a meeting of development partners to discuss preparations for the 29th COP of the UNFCCC.
Alam stressed the urgency of addressing climate change in Pakistan, which remains one of the most vulnerable countries globally despite contributing less than 1% to global carbon emissions. She highlighted the devastating effects of climate disasters, including floods in 2022, which caused over 24 billion PKR in damages, severely impacting infrastructure and livelihoods.
The PM’s Aide emphasized the importance of gender equality in climate action, referencing the success of a recent regional parliamentarians’ meeting in Islamabad. The meeting focused on empowering women in the green economy, which she believes will strengthen Pakistan’s position in global climate discussions.
She also pointed out the need for increased engagement with Business 20 (B20) countries to develop regional solutions for environmental challenges. Alam highlighted Punjab’s proactive stance, with its finalized “Climate Change Policy & Action Plan 2024” aimed at addressing smog and environmental degradation under the leadership of the Chief Minister.
Aisha Humera Ch, Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change, also contributed valuable insights during the meeting, calling for a concrete plan to tackle climate challenges. Development partners and international institutions echoed these sentiments, proposing ideas to enhance Pakistan’s participation in COP29.
