ANTALYA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to highlight Pakistan’s climate priorities and call for stronger international cooperation to address climate change at the COP31 Antalya Leaders’ Summit in Türkiye, where leaders from nearly 200 countries are gathering to discuss global climate challenges.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The prime minister is expected to emphasise the urgent need for enhanced global climate action, greater financial support for developing countries and coordinated efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz arrived in Türkiye on Tuesday night to participate in the high-level climate summit. He will outline Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience, accelerate the transition towards clean energy and improve disaster preparedness.
The Foreign Office said the prime minister would highlight Pakistan’s rapid solarisation initiatives and expansion of renewable energy capacity as part of the country’s transition towards a cleaner and more resilient economy. He will also underscore the importance of strengthening early-warning systems and disaster risk management.
PM Shehbaz is expected to call for predictable, adequate and accessible climate financing to help developing countries address climate-related challenges, strengthen resilience and pursue sustainable development.
As part of his engagements, the prime minister will address a high-level dialogue on clean energy transition and electrification, convened by the COP31 presidency under the theme “35 by 35: Powering the Future.” The session is scheduled for 3pm local time (5pm Pakistan time).
On the sidelines of the summit, PM Shehbaz is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other participating world leaders to discuss matters of mutual interest and explore opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
A Pakistan Pavilion has been established at the COP31 venue, where 54 events will be organised on various climate, energy and sustainability-related themes.
The summit brings together world leaders, climate negotiators and representatives of nearly 200 countries at a time when global greenhouse gas emissions remain a major concern amid geopolitical tensions, economic pressures and competing international priorities.
Other prominent leaders scheduled to address the summit include Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine.
The United States is not participating in the climate talks for the second consecutive year following President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the country from international climate cooperation.
Climate finance is also expected to remain a major point of discussion, particularly demands by developing countries for greater financial assistance from developed nations, which bear a larger historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions.
Developing countries are seeking additional funding to support climate adaptation, renewable energy development and protective infrastructure against extreme weather events. African nations are also pressing for increased adaptation financing to support measures such as coastal protection and drought-resistant agriculture.
The discussions are taking place against the backdrop of continued global warming. The World Meteorological Organization has reported that 2026 has continued the trend of exceptionally high temperatures, melting ice and rising sea levels, highlighting the growing urgency of international climate action.
For Pakistan, one of the countries highly vulnerable to climate change, the summit provides an opportunity to highlight its renewable energy transition, climate adaptation needs and demand for equitable access to international climate financing.
By Reuters
