Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is departing today for a three-day visit to Antalya, Republic of Turkiye, to participate in the Leaders’ Summit of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
According to a statement from the Foreign Office, the Prime Minister is scheduled to address the Leaders' Summit on November 11. During his speech, he will urge the global community to take practical measures to combat climate change. He is expected to highlight Pakistan's transition toward a cleaner and more resilient economy through rapid solarisation and the expansion of its renewable energy capacity. Additionally, he will discuss Pakistan's efforts to improve early-warning systems and disaster preparedness.
The Prime Minister will also call for climate finance that is predictable, adequate, and accessible for developing countries to pursue sustainable development and strengthen resilience.
While in Turkiye, the Prime Minister will attend a High-Level Roundtable organized by the COP-31 Presidency on the sidelines of the Leaders' Summit. He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the Turkish leadership and several other world leaders.
The Foreign Office stated that the Prime Minister's participation is an expression of Pakistan's strong support for the climate agenda and offers an opportunity for the country to reaffirm its commitment to working with the international community to address the climate crisis.
The COP-31 climate talks began on Monday at a sprawling expo centre in Antalya. The UN's chief, Antonio Guterres, urged leaders to "get serious" about the crisis following a year of extreme weather, including heatwaves in Europe, wildfires in Indonesia, and floods in Nepal, all fueled by a strong El Nino phenomenon.
Observers expect few major breakthroughs at the summit as nations deal with geopolitical tensions fuelled by the US war with Iran and Russia's conflict in Ukraine, alongside an oil price shock.
