Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to address the high-level segment of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, on Wednesday, presenting Pakistan’s position on climate justice and calling for stronger international cooperation to support countries most vulnerable to global warming.
The prime minister arrived in Antalya on Tuesday to participate in the COP31 World Leaders’ Summit, accompanied by Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Sherry Rehman, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and his Adviser Tariq Fatemi.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Shehbaz has a series of high-level engagements scheduled during his visit, including meetings with international leaders and discussions on renewable energy.
PM to Present Pakistan’s National Statement
The prime minister will deliver Pakistan’s national statement at the summit, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing countries and the need for a fairer international response.
Pakistan has consistently argued that countries contributing relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions are bearing some of the heaviest consequences of climate change.
The government is expected to call for predictable, adequate and accessible climate financing to help vulnerable nations strengthen disaster preparedness, improve resilience and pursue sustainable development.
Pakistan contributes less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions but remains among the countries highly exposed to climate-related disasters.
Clean Energy Transition on Summit Agenda
Shehbaz Sharif will also participate in a high-level session titled “Clean Energy Transition by 2035: Powering the Future”, hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The prime minister is expected to outline Pakistan’s vision for expanding renewable energy and accelerating the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
The discussions will focus on the role of clean energy and electrification in addressing climate challenges while supporting economic development.
According to the PMO, the prime minister will also hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders to discuss relations and shared challenges linked to climate change.
He is scheduled to attend a gala dinner hosted by President Erdoğan in honour of visiting leaders.
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Pakistan Seeks Greater Climate Financing
Pakistan has repeatedly urged developed countries to increase financial and technical assistance for developing nations facing the consequences of climate change.
The country played an important diplomatic role at COP27 in Egypt in 2022, where negotiations led to an agreement to establish a Loss and Damage Fund to help vulnerable countries respond to climate-related destruction.
The devastating 2022 floods in Pakistan, which affected around 33 million people, highlighted the scale of the country’s climate vulnerability. A joint assessment by the government and international development partners estimated physical damage at $14.9 billion and economic losses at $15.2 billion.
Islamabad has also called on developed countries to fulfil their climate-finance commitments and ensure that funding reaches vulnerable nations in a timely and accessible manner.
Pakistan Strengthens Its Climate Diplomacy
Pakistan’s participation in COP31 comes as the international community faces growing pressure to turn climate commitments into practical action.
The government has established a Pakistan Pavilion at the conference venue, where 54 events are scheduled to take place on different climate-related themes.
Through its participation, Islamabad aims to strengthen international partnerships, highlight the needs of climate-vulnerable communities and promote cooperation on renewable energy, disaster preparedness and climate financing.
The prime minister’s address is expected to reinforce Pakistan’s position that tackling climate change requires shared responsibility, equitable financial support and stronger cooperation between developed and developing countries.
Source: The Express Tribune, Prime Minister’s Office, Radio Pakistan
