ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former federal minister for climate change, Senator Sherry Rehman, on Thursday highlighted Pakistan’s unique climate challenges, which are both local and international, emphasizing that no country can face these crises in isolation.
Sherry Rehman expressed these views while speaking as Chief Guest at a conference organized by the Centre for Strategic Perspective (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) on Thursday.
The conference titled “Navigating Pakistan’s Climate Action Path: Adaptation, Finance, and Technology” was held ahead of the COP29 summit, bringing together leading experts from Pakistan and abroad to deliberate on the country’s climate strategy, focusing on key areas like adaptation, climate finance, and technological advancements.
Senator Sherry Rehman, in her remarks, stressed the urgency of bold climate action at the upcoming COP. She added Pakistan as a developing state is experiencing increasingly extreme weather events, including successive record-breaking summers over the last four years.
The Senator added that Pakistan’s economy, natural resources, and people are all at risk, yet the country remains underprepared for an unpredictable future.
She added that while global debates, such as the Summit of the Future, aimed to set ambitious climate objectives, they often fell short of the necessary commitments. Pakistan, having led the G77 during COP27, continues to advocate for developing countries to unite on a common agenda.
Senator Sherry Rehman also called for improved climate reporting, adding that many developing nations lack the capacity to measure emissions accurately. The parliamentarian also underscored the need for enhanced citizen involvement and local climate action, urging Pakistan to strengthen its environmental protection agencies. She emphasized, that climate justice, must be at the forefront of global discussions, ensuring no country or community is left behind.
Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, in his views, emphasized the urgent need for global unity in tackling climate change during his keynote address. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s commitment to promoting peace, climate finance, and adaptation efforts at COP29, stressing that international cooperation is essential for achieving a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
DG ISSI, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his remarks, highlighted the critical importance of these dialogues in shaping Pakistan’s climate strategies.
He emphasized Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, despite contributing less than 1% to global emissions, referencing the devastating 2022 floods and the urgent need for adaptation measures. Pakistan’s leadership at COP27, especially in the creation of the Loss and Damage Fund, was a pivotal moment for climate-vulnerable countries.
Ambassador Mahmood, looking ahead to COP29, stressed the importance of securing additional climate finance from developed nations and ensuring greater transparency. He also underlined Pakistan’s commitment to a renewable energy transition, while balancing energy security for developing states.
Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director CSP, in her remarks, emphasized Pakistan’s urgent climate challenges, highlighting the need for investment in green technologies, climate finance, and adaptation measures to build resilience and promote sustainable development.
Stefan Burkhardt, Head of Division HSF Asia, highlighted the global climate crisis, emphasizing the need for accelerated action following COP27 and COP28. He lauded the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund at COP27 but stressed the importance of effective implementation, particularly for vulnerable countries like Pakistan. He asked Pakistan to strengthen its climate action strategy to access resources and attract international climate finance. The expert also noted the severe impact of climate change on Pakistan’s economy and its critical role in global climate efforts.
Dr. Fariz Ismailzade, Vice Rector at ADA University in Baku and member of the Azerbaijan Parliament praised ISSI for fostering Pakistan-Azerbaijan ties and highlighted ADA’s leadership in uniting experts for COP29 climate change discussions in Baku.
