Shamakhi, July 23, 2025: Pakistan has called for urgent and equitable global action to combat climate change, urging deeper emissions cuts and enhanced resilience financing for vulnerable nations, particularly those in the Global South.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, delivered this message during high-level bilateral meetings with COP-29 President and Special Envoy on Environment to the President of Azerbaijan, Mukhtar Babayev, and Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister and COP-29 Lead Negotiator, Yalchin Rafiyev.
The meetings took place on the sidelines of the COP Heads of Delegation Retreat in Shamakhi.
Dr. Malik emphasized that while countries in the Global South bear the brunt of climate-induced disasters, it is the Global North that remains the largest contributor to historical and current greenhouse gas emissions. He noted that Pakistan’s proximity to two of the world’s highest carbon-emitting countries further exacerbates its climate vulnerability.
He reiterated the need for developed nations to not only honour their long-standing climate finance pledges but also lead the way in significantly reducing emissions in line with the Paris Agreement targets.
“Climate change is a transboundary crisis,” Malik said, adding that its impacts—ranging from environmental degradation to extreme weather events—do not respect national borders. He called for international cooperation rooted in justice, scientific evidence, and sustainability.
During the discussions, both sides explored avenues to deepen green collaboration between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. Areas of focus included renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and adaptation strategies tailored for climate-vulnerable communities.
Dr. Malik reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to multilateral climate governance and expressed hope that COP-29 would achieve meaningful progress toward inclusive, science-based climate solutions.
