Pakistan has issued a stark warning that the success of the upcoming climate conference is inextricably linked to concrete progress on climate finance, stressing that enhanced and predictable financial support is critical for vulnerable developing countries to survive the escalating impacts of climate change.
According to an official statement issued today, in a UN briefing ahead of the ongoing climate conference in Antalya, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, articulated his country’s position. He expressed support for the designated leadership and noted the collaborative spirit between the Turkish and Australian teams under President-Designate Murat Kurum and President of Negotiations Chris Bowen.
The Ambassador emphasized that Pakistan is on the front lines of the climate crisis, highlighting the stark disparity between its minimal contribution to global emissions – less than one percent – and the severe consequences it faces. He cited the devastating 2022 floods that submerged one-third of the country and the threat to the water security of millions from melting glaciers, describing the importance of COP31 for countries like Pakistan as “real and personal.”
Ambassador Asim stressed that trust and balance across all pillars of climate action are essential for achieving meaningful outcomes at the Antalya summit. He stated that progress on key financial mechanisms is a prerequisite for success, specifically calling for advancement on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) and ensuring the newly established Loss and Damage Fund is adequately capitalized. He also pointed to the need for progress on the Global Goal on Adaptation.
Echoing sentiments expressed by Assistant Secretary-General Selwin Hart, the Pakistani representative expressed concern over recent negative trends in climate finance flows. He reiterated that reliable and scaled-up financial assistance is crucial for developing countries facing disproportionate climate impacts to cope and adapt.
Despite these concerns, Ambassador Asim expressed full confidence in the leadership of COP31, calling the combined expertise of Trkiye and Australia a solid foundation for a successful conference. He concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to providing its full and constructive support to achieve a balanced and ambitious outcome based on consensus.