PM Shehbaz to Address COP31 Summit on Climate Justice in Türkiye

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to address the high-level segment of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, on Wednesday.

He will highlight Pakistan’s position on climate justice and the challenges facing countries severely affected by climate change.

The prime minister arrived in Türkiye a day earlier to attend the World Leaders’ Summit, held as part of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Senator Sherry Rehman, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and the prime minister’s adviser Tariq Fatemi are accompanying him.

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According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Shehbaz Sharif will attend a high-level session titled “Clean Energy Transition by 2035: Powering the Future”.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is hosting the session.

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The prime minister is expected to outline his vision for renewable energy and discuss the importance of accelerating the global transition towards cleaner energy sources.

He will also deliver Pakistan’s national statement at the summit. The address will highlight climate justice and the concerns of countries facing the severe consequences of climate change.

The PMO said the prime minister would also meet several world leaders to discuss bilateral relations and climate-related challenges. In the evening, he is scheduled to attend a gala dinner hosted by President Erdogan for visiting leaders.

Pakistan Calls for Climate Justice and Financial Support

Pakistan has consistently urged developed countries to provide greater financial and technical assistance to developing nations facing climate-related disasters.

Islamabad maintains that countries contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions often suffer disproportionately from climate damage.

Pakistan accounts for less than one per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions but remains highly vulnerable to climate change.

The country played a prominent role at COP27 in Egypt in 2022. During the summit, Pakistan pushed for a Loss and Damage Fund to support vulnerable developing countries recovering from climate-related disasters.

The fund’s establishment marked a significant outcome of the conference. Then Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the decision and called on developed countries to fulfil their financial commitments.

Pakistan Seeks Greater Climate Finance

Pakistan has also repeatedly called on developed nations to honour their commitment to mobilise $100 billion annually in climate finance for developing countries.

Islamabad wants greater funding for climate adaptation, disaster preparedness and resilience. It also stresses that financial support must remain predictable, adequate and accessible.

At COP31, Pakistan is expected to reiterate these demands and urge the international community to translate climate commitments into practical action.

The country’s position centres on a fairer global response that recognises the unequal impact of climate change and supports vulnerable nations in protecting their people and economies.