PM Shehbaz to raise Pakistan’s climate concerns at COP31 Global Leaders’ Summit

ANTALYA (News Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to highlight Pakistan’s climate vulnerabilities and call for stronger international cooperation to address the growing impacts of climate change during the COP31 World Leaders’ Summit in Antalya, Türkiye.

The Prime Minister arrived in Antalya on November 10 to participate in the high-level summit being held under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif will address the global leaders’ summit, highlighting Pakistan’s climate priorities and stressing the need for urgent and effective international measures to tackle the adverse effects of climate change.

He is also expected to call for stronger international cooperation in accordance with agreed principles, particularly in addressing the challenges faced by countries vulnerable to climate-related risks.

Pakistan’s participation comes as the country continues to highlight the importance of international climate diplomacy and financial support for addressing climate-related losses and damages.

The Prime Minister’s Office recalled Pakistan’s diplomatic role in the approval of the Loss and Damage Fund during COP27, describing it as one of the country’s significant achievements in international climate negotiations.

The fund was approved at the 27th Conference of the Parties as a mechanism to address losses and damages associated with climate change, particularly in vulnerable developing countries.

In addition to climate adaptation and international cooperation, renewable energy is expected to feature prominently in Pakistan’s agenda at the Antalya summit.

Shehbaz Sharif will also address a high-level dialogue on transitioning towards renewable energy, highlighting the importance of moving towards sustainable energy sources for the future.

The discussion is particularly relevant to Pakistan’s energy priorities, including the need to diversify its energy mix and expand the role of renewable sources in electricity generation.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has established a national pavilion at COP31, where 54 events will be organised on different climate-related themes to showcase the country’s priorities and initiatives.

On the sidelines of the summit, the Prime Minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other participating world leaders to discuss matters of mutual interest and avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The Prime Minister was received at Antalya Airport by Türkiye’s Deputy Minister for Culture and Tourism Gökhan Yazgı, Pakistan’s designated Ambassador to Türkiye Amina Baloch and senior Turkish officials.

Pakistan’s participation at COP31 is aimed at reinforcing its climate diplomacy and highlighting the need for effective international action against climate change.

The government has not announced any new climate-financing commitment secured for Pakistan during the summit.