Islamabad: The seminar organized by the Institute of Regional Studies entitled “Strengthening Transboundary Resilience: Enhancing Regional Cooperation,” highlighted the shared challenges posed by climate change and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts across borders. Experts from various fields discussed critical issues such as transboundary water resilience, agricultural challenges, and the need for long-term vision in regional policymaking.
Senator Sherry Rehman warned at a pre-COP29 seminar that the world faces “want, lack, and scarcity” unless urgent climate action is taken. She emphasized that geopolitics and hyper-nationalism are distracting from the imminent threat of climate-induced destruction. Rehman called for immediate global cooperation to avert this crisis.
Mr. Usman e Ghani Additional Commissioner of Indus Waters at the Ministry of Water Resources pointed to the Indus Waters Treaty as a potential tool for fostering water resilience, provided both parties commit to its full implementation. He highlighted the treaty’s various elements, from data sharing to dispute resolution, and its lasting relevance as a potential mechanism for transboundary water resilience.
Ambassador Khazar Farhadov Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Pakistan, chaired the session. During his address, he expressed optimism about COP29, which Azerbaijan will host. He also stressed the need for global solidarity and the mobilization of international climate finance and stated that COP29 will be the most “significant international event of 2024.”
Other speakers, including Dr. Samuel Rizk and Dr. Najibullah Sadid, addressed the pressing issues of water scarcity and the importance of sustainable policy approaches. Ms. Farrah Naz highlighted the severe impact of climate change on food security in South Asia, warning of the region’s growing agricultural challenges.
Talha Tufail Bhatti, an environmental scholar leading the “Strengthening Regional Climate Resilience Program” at the IRS, said that the institute’s is looking forward to hosting more seminars of this nature, expressing the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration in the fight against climate change.
In conclusion remarks, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem underscored the necessity of cooperation in facing global threats like climate change. The Institute of Regional Studies reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration, recognizing the critical role of collective action in building regional resilience.
