Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s participation in COP29, hosted in Azerbaijan, underscores Pakistan’s commitment to tackling climate change and advocating for greater climate justice on the global stage. Representing one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, the PM is expected to highlight Pakistan’s recent experiences with extreme weather events, including severe floods, heatwaves, and glacial melting, which collectively damage infrastructure, displace populations, and strain the economy. The Pakistani government’s position stresses that the nation’s carbon footprint is relatively small, but it suffers disproportionately from global climate impacts.
At COP29, Pakistan plans to advocate for stronger climate financing commitments, particularly from developed nations. These include calls for the $100 billion climate finance pledge, which is critical for enabling countries like Pakistan to fund adaptation and mitigation initiatives.
COP29 also presents an opportunity for Pakistan to share its efforts toward sustainability, including recent investments in renewable energy projects and a national tree plantation campaign aimed at improving carbon sequestration and land restoration.
In addition to securing financial assistance, Pakistan is focused on developing collaborative projects with international partners that support its adaptation and resilience goals. Prime Minister Sharif will meet with key leaders and climate experts to discuss innovative financing mechanisms, technology transfers, and knowledge-sharing practices that could strengthen Pakistan’s response to climate challenges.
The PM’s participation reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and global climate governance, contributing to discussions on sustainable development and responsible environmental stewardship.
