ISLAMABAD: The Speakers at a post-COP28 roundtable discussion on Friday lauded the progress made by Pakistan at the international climate conference and demanded the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination to work out a futuristic strategy to meet international commitment.
The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change (CSCCC), organized the dialogue titled “COP 28: An Analytical View.”
In her opening remarks, Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director of CSP, highlighted the importance of key decisions taken during COP28. She underscored the need for a comprehensive analysis of the outcomes and their impact on stakeholders, providing insights for decision makers.
In his keynote address, Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Asif Shah underlined the progress achieved during COP28, culminating in a host of positive outcomes and increased transparency in climate finance. He said Pakistan secured a position on the board of the Loss and Damage Fund, demonstrating its commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change. Additionally, Pakistan’s representation on the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage (SNLD further solidifies its global engagement.
Shah concluding his address acknowledged the competitive landscape for accessing the Green Climate Fund, highlighting the imperative for Pakistan to boost its capacity to secure global funding.
Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood expressing his views noted that COP28 has undeniably set the stage for talks on a crucial subject with far-reaching consequences. He said the decision to operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund on the conference’s first day marked a historic moment, especially for the developing world.
Pakistan’s engagement at COP28 was robust and dynamic
He further stated that Pakistan’s engagement at COP28 was robust and dynamic, showcasing cooperation among different ministries and the synergic connections developed.
Executive Director, CSCCC, Aisha Khan in her remarks said that COP28 marked the first Global Stock Take (GST) post the 2015 Paris Agreement, focusing on advancing the international global agenda.
She said the COP28 witnessed crucial decisions, particularly regarding climate finance. Emphasizing Pakistan’s strong representation at COP28, she underscored the need for integrating GST into the National Stock Take (NST) for Pakistan.
Dr. Imran Saqib Khalid, Director, Governance & Policy WWF added that climate change represents a global security issue, underscoring the persistent challenge of escalating GHG emissions since the initial COP where global emissions first took center stage.
Dr. Shafqat Munir, Head of Resilient Development Program, highlighted two key developments at COP28, focusing on the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund and a commitment to reduce the use of fossil fuels in the future.
In his remarks, Dr. Ilhan Niaz, Professor at Quadi-e-Azam University stressed that the Global North has yet to assume its initial responsibilities and a critical evaluation is necessary to determine the driving forces behind climate disruptions.
Ms. Fiza, a youth delegate at COP28, highlighted the significant achievement of youth delegates in the Pakistan delegation. She stressed that providing a platform for youth to engage with policymakers on climate change issues is crucial.
The event was needed with a vote of thanks by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors ISSI.
