Islamabad, January 6, 2025: Pakistan’s achievements at COP29 have bolstered its commitment to adopting international carbon trading guidelines, said Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. Speaking at the “Post-COP Dialogue on Operationalization of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement: The Road from Baku to Belem,” organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Romina emphasized the significance of COP29 outcomes, particularly the approval of carbon guidelines in Baku.
She highlighted the critical need for robust monitoring and validation systems to ensure the successful implementation of carbon markets. “With the government actively collaborating with provincial and international stakeholders, Pakistan is well-positioned to capitalize on carbon trading, unlocking new avenues for green development and sustainable climate action,” she said.
Romina stressed that Article 6 offers Pakistan a unique opportunity to develop global carbon markets essential for low-carbon growth and climate adaptation. She noted that these mechanisms are more than technical solutions; they are strategic tools for sustainable development and climate resilience.
“The approval of carbon guidelines is a historic milestone. Pakistan is ready to implement these guidelines with transparency, integrity, and ambition. By aligning our institutional frameworks with global standards, we aim to attract investment, ensure environmental integrity, and build confidence in our carbon market,” she added.
Romina pointed out Pakistan’s potential to leverage carbon markets through renewable energy, afforestation, and sustainable urban development projects. She also underscored the importance of regional collaboration in South Asia, expressing optimism about shared progress in carbon trading and climate finance.
Acknowledging existing challenges, including capacity gaps and the need for robust regulatory frameworks, she assured that Pakistan is taking steps to address these issues by forging partnerships with multilateral agencies and private stakeholders.
“Developing a robust monitoring, reporting, and verification system is a priority to ensure the credibility of our efforts,” Romina stated.
She reaffirmed Pakistan’s active role in global climate negotiations and commitment to fostering South-South cooperation. “We are dedicated to building capacity among developing nations to ensure no one is left behind in this transition,” she said.
Romina also urged developed countries to fulfill their financial and technical support commitments to enable the effective implementation of Article 6 mechanisms. “Capacity building is crucial, and we call on the global community to support countries like Pakistan in maximizing the benefits of these mechanisms,” she concluded.
