Islamabad: Pakistan is strategically positioning itself to lead climate diplomacy by aligning with regional values, as emphasized by Romina Khurshid Alam, Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change. Alam highlighted the need for climate adaptation strategies that address Pakistan’s unique vulnerabilities while contributing to global climate finance discussions at the upcoming COP29.
The “Pakistan’s Climate Resilience: Road to COP29” Pre-Summit, organized by the Pak-German Climate and Energy Partnership (PGCEP) and the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), gathered prominent stakeholders to discuss strategies and challenges in climate resilience. Alam urged prioritization of initiatives that consider local contexts, positioning Pakistan as an advocate for climate-vulnerable nations.
Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of SDPI, underscored the urgency of climate action, referencing the U.S. departure from the Paris Agreement. He emphasized the need for global cohesion, pointing to EU and China’s roles in maintaining focus and suggesting that Baku, as COP29 host, could aid in advancing carbon markets despite challenges like greenwashing.
Wolfgang Hesse, GIZ Pakistan’s Cluster Coordinator for Energy & Climate Change, highlighted Germany’s robust financial cooperation with Pakistan, amounting to over €500 million. This support is designed to accelerate Pakistan’s climate ambition through energy transition projects that align with the Paris Agreement’s goals.
Dr. Shafqat Munir of SDPI expressed concerns over inadequate funding for the Loss and Damage Fund, stressing the need for stronger contributions from developed nations to address climate-induced hardships in vulnerable communities. Dr. Fahad Saeed from Climate Analytics echoed these concerns, calling for increased private sector involvement to bridge financial gaps.
Representatives also noted the importance of strengthening Article 6 compliance for emissions trading. Sohail Malik from the Climate Resourcing Coordination Center highlighted Pakistan’s potential in green finance, while Ahsan Kamran emphasized the need for clearer frameworks to enhance climate finance’s effectiveness.
The German Embassy’s Dr. Sebastian Paust emphasized Germany’s contribution of €6 billion towards global climate initiatives. Germany’s bilateral development cooperation aims to empower local efforts by transferring skills, technology, and financial instruments to tackle climate risk and boost carbon finance.
As COP29 approaches, this pre-summit served as a platform to unite stakeholders around climate resilience. Pakistan seeks to present its proactive stance, emphasizing local adaptation, finance mobilization, and a collaborative approach to addressing climate change globally.
