ISLAMABAD, September 19, 2024 – Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), has highlighted the upcoming COP29 summit as a critical platform for Pakistan to present its climate actions, challenges, and potential solutions. Speaking at a meeting with development partners, she stressed the need for collaboration to achieve climate diplomacy goals, promote gender equality, and advance smart agriculture initiatives through private sector engagement.
Alam underscored the urgency of addressing climate change in Pakistan, which is among the most vulnerable countries globally. Despite contributing less than 1% to global carbon emissions, Pakistan faces severe consequences from climate-related disasters, including floods and droughts that have devastated infrastructure and livelihoods. The 2022 floods alone resulted in over PKR 24 billion in damages.
She called for input from development partners to enhance Pakistan’s participation in COP29, with the aim of securing increased climate finance for adaptation projects. Alam also emphasized the importance of gender equality in climate action, referencing a recent successful regional parliamentarians’ meeting in Islamabad focused on empowering women in the green economy.
Alam aims to position Pakistan as a proactive player in global climate discussions and advocate for justice in terms of loss and damage caused by climate change. She is seeking collaboration with Business 20 (B20) countries to develop regional solutions to climate and environmental challenges. The B20’s overarching theme for 2024, “Inclusive Growth for a Sustainable Future,” aligns with Pakistan’s goals, particularly in addressing pressing global issues like climate change and resource efficiency.
She also stressed the importance of engaging provincial governments, particularly highlighting the proactive efforts of the Punjab Chief Minister. Under her leadership, Punjab has finalized its “Climate Change Policy & Action Plan 2024,” which addresses critical climate issues such as smog and environmental degradation.
Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Aisha Humera, also addressed the meeting, providing valuable insights to ensure Pakistan’s preparedness for COP29. She emphasized the need for a concrete plan to tackle climate change challenges.
Development partners from various international institutions, diplomatic missions, and officials from the Ministry of Climate Change also shared ideas and initiatives to make Pakistan’s participation in COP29 more effective.
