BAKU, Azerbaijan: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, on Wednesday urged developed nations to honour their long-standing climate finance pledges to help developing countries achieve climate goals.
Dar called for accessible, grants-based financing to help developing nations, such as Pakistan, achieve their climate goals and address the escalating impacts of climate change.
Speaking at a high-level event convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on “Delivering Early Warnings for All (EW4All) and Addressing Extreme Heat,” Dar highlighted the urgent need for international cooperation in tackling climate-induced disasters and achieving climate goals.
The high-level meeting took place on the sidelines of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).
Dar, who also serves as foreign minister, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding lives and protecting communities from the unpredictable and severe impacts of climate change.
He outlined Pakistan’s key initiatives to reduce projected greenhouse gas emissions, including the Green Pakistan Project, an Electric Vehicle Policy, a large-scale mangrove rehabilitation project, and BRT mass transit systems across major cities.
Dar also praised UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his leadership in launching the EW4All initiative in 2022.
He emphasised that the meeting was held to discuss the role of early warning systems and the increasing risk posed by rising heat.
Dar said that the international community must remain united in its commitment to safeguarding livelihoods, protecting lives, and ensuring that no one is left unprotected from the unpredictable and severe impacts of climate change.
Over the past decade, Pakistan has consistently ranked among the top ten countries most impacted by climate change, Dar stated, adding that the devastating floods of 2022 were a harsh reminder of their vulnerability.
The floods resulted in catastrophic losses of over $30 billion and affected 33 million people, destroying homes, buildings, and essential infrastructure.
“If we had an early warning system in place, much of the damage could have been mitigated, enabling us to respond proactively and avoid such immense suffering,” Dar concluded.
Pakistan Commitments to Global Resilience at COP29
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman, Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, highlighted the authority’s dedication to building international partnerships and advancing initiatives that enhance both national and global resilience frameworks.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 attended a high-level event today, convened by the United Secretary-General @antonioguterres on ‘Delivering Early Warnings for All (EW4All) and Addressing Extreme Heat’ on the sidelines of COP29 in… pic.twitter.com/4ZidXLvHAu
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) November 13, 2024
He was speaking at the Centre for Climate Diplomacy event titled “Strengthening Resilience through Climate Diplomacy in Disaster Management” at the Pakistan Pavilion during COP29 in Baku.
The NDMA Chairman emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to collaborative, climate-aware strategies for effective disaster risk reduction and strengthening resilience.
In this strategic side event, the NDMA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a global resilience agenda by harnessing climate diplomacy and supporting initiatives that prioritize people in climate adaptation and disaster management.
The authority remains focused on strengthening partnerships and promoting a sustainable, resilient future for all.
The top disaster management body is participating in the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. – APP
