Global Stocktake’s Heavy Responsibility: COP28

APP

Dubai: COP28 in Dubai marked an unprecedented milestone with its inaugural global stocktake, elevating expectations and placing substantial responsibility on participant nations to chart the course for the next decade.

The negotiations, extending beyond their scheduled duration, reflected a relentless effort among countries to bridge differences and unite on a final text.

The Pakistan delegation stood prominently alongside other parties, passionately advocating for a transformative climate agreement compelling nations to pivot away from fossil fuels. Their emphasis lay on effectuating this shift in a manner that is fair, systematic, and equitable, with a keen eye on supporting the development of vulnerable nations, a press release highlighted.

The Pakistan delegation, guided by Secretary MoCC&EC Asif Hyder Shah as the principal negotiator, meticulously framed Pakistan’s stance. It mirrored the nation’s specific needs while strongly underlining the global community’s obligation to support within the Paris Agreement framework, emphasizing inclusive development.

Secretary Asif Hyder Shah strategically navigated negotiations to align with Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), directing efforts towards fulfilling these commitments. Amidst the arduous discussions of COP28, he underscored the urgency of preserving the 1.5-degree Celsius target and shielding vulnerable countries from the intensifying impacts of climate change.

Read More:https://thepenpk.com/un-chief-urges-cop28-to-phase-out-fossil-fuels/

Emphasizing the pivotal role of developed nations in bolstering financial support for mitigation and adaptation, utilizing Means of Implementation (MoI) to fulfill Paris Agreement commitments, Pakistan championed these objectives. It played a leading role in various key UNFCCC committees, effectively steering the discourse on technology, capacity building, finance, and addressing loss and damage.

This year’s pledges for loss and damage further strengthened Pakistan’s commitment, complementing the establishment of the fund last year. Pakistan showcased an unwavering commitment to climate action, actively participating in numerous pledges and partnerships at COP28. Initiatives like the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP), Ambition on Melting Ice (AMI), and declarations spanning climate, health, agriculture, and more showcased Pakistan’s dedication.

The Pakistan Pavilion, themed “Build Resilience Together,” emerged as a vibrant nucleus, attracting high-level officials both from within Pakistan and globally. Hosted by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), it featured 31 side events, offering a nuanced understanding of Pakistan’s diverse challenges from Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab, and Sindh.

Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar unveiled “Recharge Pakistan,” a seven-year, $77.8 million initiative harnessing nature to combat climate change. The pavilion, adorned with Pakistani artwork, drew a continuous influx of visitors. Distinguished figures like Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Jawad Hassan, Senator Sherry Rehman, and Chief Minister Sindh delivered notable statements at the Pavilion.

Federal Ministers for Finance, Energy, and Health engaged in various international and bilateral discussions, while Chief Minister Punjab, Mohsin Raza Naqvi, highlighted the province’s endeavors and challenges in the climate change landscape.

The Pavilion hosted notable visitors like Inger Andersen of UNEP, H.E. Majid Al Suwaidi, and Dr. Adil Najam, along with experts from various countries and officials from Pakistan’s development partners.

Civil society’s remarkable participation, including youth, academia, scientists, and climate experts, greatly amplified Pakistan’s stance at the Pakistan Pavilion, contributing significantly to outreach efforts.

Pakistan’s involvement at COP28 highlighted its coordinated action, collective ownership, and partnership-building. The “Whole of Society” approach, championed by MoCC&EC, reflected inclusivity, participation, and a holistic strategy to advance the COP agenda.