ISLAMABAD: A spokesperson of the Foreign Office (FO) stated that Pakistan’s commitment to addressing Climate Change and Prime Minister Imran Khan’s leadership on this account is well accepted and appreciated worldwide. The clarification came after media questions about why Prime Minister Imran Khan has not been invited to President Biden’s Climate Summit.
The US-hosted virtual summit has invited 40 world leaders to discuss the climate emergency; Biden’s presidency has geared efforts to bring climate change on the global list of priorities. The summit extended invitations to countries that are major economic powers, or vulnerable to climate change impacts, or have implemented eco-friendly and sustainable development models. The Leaders’ Summit on Climate Change reconvenes significant forums such as the U.S.-led Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, which brings together leaders from countries responsible for approximately 80% of global emissions and GDP.
The Summit also includes representation from countries holding Chairs of geographic regions and groups, including the Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States, and Climate Vulnerable Forum.
The statement highlighted Pakistan’s contributions to shaping the global Climate Change discourse, among other things, as the Vice President of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Pakistan also Co-chaired the multi-billion-dollar Green Climate Fund, established to support climate actions in developing countries, last year.
FO’s statement further highlights that Pakistan is not a significant contributor to carbon emissions while implementing climate-friendly policies that the international community has lauded. The Government’s landmark initiatives like the Billion Tree Tsunami have won international acclaim, including the World Economic Forum, the statement read. Despite being among the top ten countries affected by Climate Change, Pakistan is one of the lowest emitters – with less than 1% of the global emissions.
The FO said climate change is one of the defining challenges of our times that can only be countered through inclusive, cooperative and forward-looking policies. The statement reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the cause.
