PM Shehbaz Sharif Calls for Grant-Based Climate Finance at COP31, Warns Against Debt Burden

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for grant-based climate financing, stronger public-private partnerships and a significant increase in resilience and adaptation funds to help vulnerable countries confront climate change.

Delivering Pakistan’s national statement at the Antalya Leaders Summit of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), he said climate-vulnerable nations needed timely assistance without taking on additional debt.

The prime minister described resilience and adaptation funding as survival funds. He said struggling economies needed greater financial support as climate disasters became increasingly destructive.

Pakistan Highlights the Human Cost of Climate Disasters

Shehbaz recalled Pakistan’s devastating 2022 floods, which submerged one-third of the country. The disaster affected 33 million people, claimed more than 1,700 lives and caused economic losses exceeding $30 billion.

He also referred to the August 2025 flash floods in Buner. He shared the story of a young man whose village flooded just two days before his wedding.

The floodwaters turned a home prepared for celebration into a house of mourning, the prime minister said.

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He said the tragedy reflected the suffering of millions in Pakistan and other developing countries. These nations contribute relatively little to global climate change but face some of its most severe consequences.

Recalling his warning at the United Nations four years earlier, Shehbaz said climate disasters would not remain confined to Pakistan. He said subsequent events had unfortunately confirmed that warning.

“Climate change knows no borders. No nation can face it alone. Solidarity must mean action,” he said.

PM Thanks Türkiye for Supporting Pakistan

The prime minister thanked Türkiye, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, First Lady Emine Erdogan and the Turkish people for supporting Pakistan during the devastating floods of 2010 and 2022.

He also appreciated Türkiye for hosting COP31 and acknowledged Australia’s role as President of Negotiations.

The Antalya Leaders Summit forms part of the COP31 high-level programme, which includes national statements from world leaders on November 11 and 12.

Pakistan Highlights Solar and Nuclear Energy Progress

Shehbaz outlined Pakistan’s efforts to expand clean energy and reduce emissions.

He said Pakistan had added more than 20 gigawatts of distributed solar capacity in just two years. Clean energy sources now account for nearly 55 per cent of the country’s energy mix, he added.

The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s nuclear energy programme. He recalled witnessing the dome placement ceremony at the Chashma-5 Nuclear Power Plant while travelling to Antalya.

Once operational, the 1,200-megawatt project will add more clean electricity to the national grid.

He also cited progress in electric mobility. Pakistan aims to reduce its projected emissions by up to 50 per cent by 2035, he said.

Water Security Must Remain a Global Priority

The prime minister stressed that water resources must never become instruments of political pressure.

He said no country should endanger the lives and livelihoods of people living downstream. He also urged all countries to honour water-sharing agreements in both letter and spirit.

His remarks placed water security alongside climate adaptation and energy transition as key priorities for vulnerable nations.

PM Urges Leaders to Turn Climate Pledges into Action

Concluding his address, Shehbaz urged world leaders to translate climate commitments into practical measures.

He said COP31’s success should depend on tangible results rather than promises alone.

The real measure, he stressed, should be the families protected, resources delivered and sustained action taken to safeguard the planet.