Shahbaz Sharif to Attend Climate Summit in Azerbaijan today

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Baku, Azerbaijan, today to participate in the World Leaders Climate Action Summit, which is part of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29).

The summit, hosted under Azerbaijan’s presidency, will bring together global leaders to discuss national climate action plans and reaffirm their commitments to the Paris Agreement.

A joint summit on methane and other non-CO₂ greenhouse gases, co-hosted by the United States and China, will also be featured at the event.

PM Shehbaz is expected to advocate for “climate solidarity and justice,” emphasizing Pakistan’s dedication to fair solutions in addressing escalating climate challenges.

According to the Ministry of Climate Change, Pakistan’s delegation at COP29 will focus on securing stronger commitments for climate finance and adaptation. “With unprecedented climate impacts, now is the time for decisive action,” the Ministry posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Pakistan, ranked among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable countries, is experiencing a rise in extreme weather events, such as floods, heat waves, and glacial lake outbursts. In 2022, catastrophic floods displaced 33 million people and resulted in $30 billion in damages.

In June 2024, record-breaking temperatures in Pakistan put pressure on health and agriculture sectors. At COP29, Pakistani representatives will emphasize the urgent need for international climate finance to strengthen resilience against such impacts.