Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a Climate Finance Round Table Conference at the COP29 Summit in Baku, highlighting the urgent financial needs of developing nations in their fight against climate change.
In his opening remarks, Shehbaz welcomed participants and underscored the severe impact of climate change on developing countries, which often lack the resources to combat environmental threats effectively. Drawing from Pakistan’s experience with devastating floods in recent years, he emphasized that Pakistan understands the critical climate challenges faced by other developing countries.
The PM called on the global community to adhere to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) principles. He stressed that achieving meaningful results requires commitment from developed nations to provide necessary support, especially by establishing specialized climate funds.
According to Shehbaz, developing countries will need approximately $6.8 trillion by 2030 to mitigate and adapt to climate change. He urged developed nations to actively assist in promoting eco-friendly energy sources, which could offer sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and benefit vulnerable economies. He further emphasized that addressing the climate crisis is a shared responsibility and requires a strong partnership between developed and developing countries.
The conference, hosted by Pakistan, served as a platform for representatives of developing nations to voice their financial and environmental concerns, appealing for greater cooperation to meet ambitious climate targets.
Earlier, Shehbaz Sharif joined world leaders at the COP29 Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, where environmental challenges and climate change solutions are at the forefront.
During the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz had informal discussions with several world leaders, focusing on collaborative efforts for environmental protection.
براہِ راست: وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی کوپ 29 کے موقع پر عالمی رہنماؤں سے ملاقات۔ https://t.co/yNtj23ByJy
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) November 12, 2024
The PM met with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss matters of mutual interest, including cooperative efforts on climate change. In another notable interaction, he spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to addressing climate issues on a global stage.
Shehbaz also held meetings with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon. In discussions with the Tajik president, both leaders emphasized the importance of expanding communication links, while meetings with Central Asian leaders underscored the need to protect regional glaciers and water resources.
Baku: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Group Photo at the inaugural Session of COP-29 Climate Action Summit.
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) November 12, 2024
🇵🇰 🇦🇿 #PMShehbazAtCOP29#PakAtCOP29#COP29 pic.twitter.com/3auap8IxcW
With the chief adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, Dr Muhammad Yunus, and Nepalese President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister Shehbaz discussed the rising temperatures and forest conservation challenges facing South Asia. They also talked about the implications of sea-level rise on coastal regions and the potential for increased cooperation on these fronts.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev officially opened the COP29 Summit, calling for responsible use of natural resources and urging Western nations to face climate realities. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres held the G20 countries accountable for a large share of environmental pollution and pushed for greater climate financing commitments from these nations.
Just landed in Baku, a city that beautifully bridges cultures and continents—symbolizing the unity we need to overcome our shared climate challenges.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) November 11, 2024
At #COP29, Pakistan will present its climate priorities, calling for commitments that bring real, measurable impact.
Let’s turn…
The COP29 conference will continue until November 22, with world leaders evaluating actions to combat global warming and other pressing environmental challenges.
