Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is travelling to Turkiye on Tuesday to attend the Leaders’ Summit of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), where he will urge the international community to take practical steps against climate change and ensure adequate financial support for developing countries.
According to the Foreign Office (FO), the prime minister will remain in Turkiye from November 10 to 12 and address the summit on November 11. His visit will provide an opportunity to present Pakistan’s climate initiatives and highlight the challenges developing nations face in responding to the growing threat of global warming.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Foreign Office said Shehbaz Sharif would emphasise Pakistan’s efforts to accelerate solarisation and expand its renewable energy capacity as part of the country’s transition towards a cleaner and more resilient economy.
The prime minister is also expected to highlight measures aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and improving early-warning systems to protect communities from climate-related emergencies.
Shehbaz to Seek Greater Climate Financing for Developing Countries
A key part of the prime minister’s address will focus on the need for predictable, adequate and accessible climate financing for developing countries.
Pakistan has repeatedly highlighted the financial challenges faced by vulnerable nations in dealing with extreme weather events, rebuilding damaged infrastructure and investing in climate-resilient development.
Shehbaz Sharif will call on the international community to provide sufficient financial resources to help developing countries strengthen their ability to withstand climate-related disasters while pursuing sustainable economic growth.
The Foreign Office said the prime minister’s participation reflected Pakistan’s strong support for the global climate agenda and its commitment to working with international partners to address the climate crisis.
Bilateral Meetings Planned With Turkish Leadership
During his three-day visit, Shehbaz Sharif will also participate in a high-level roundtable convened by the COP31 presidency on the sidelines of the Leaders’ Summit.
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The prime minister is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Turkish leadership and several other world leaders attending the international gathering.
These engagements will provide opportunities to discuss matters of mutual interest, strengthen diplomatic relations and explore cooperation on climate-related challenges.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan would use the summit to reaffirm its commitment to international cooperation and collective action against climate change.
COP31 Opens Amid Growing Concerns Over Climate Crisis
The COP31 climate conference began on Monday in Antalya, Turkiye, bringing thousands of delegates, officials and climate experts together for two weeks of negotiations.
The opening discussions quickly highlighted disagreements over climate financing, with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging world leaders to take the climate emergency seriously and strengthen their response.
The summit comes after a year of extreme weather events across several regions, including severe heatwaves in Europe, major wildfires in Indonesia and devastating floods in Nepal.
An exceptionally strong El Nino weather phenomenon has also contributed to concerns about further disruptions to global weather patterns.
Climate financing is expected to remain a major issue during the negotiations, particularly as developing countries seek greater support from wealthier nations to manage climate risks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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Geopolitical Tensions Complicate Climate Negotiations
Expectations for major breakthroughs at COP31 remain limited as countries face economic uncertainty and growing geopolitical tensions.
The oil price shock and international instability linked to the US war with Iran and Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine have added further complications to discussions on energy security and climate commitments.
These developments could make it more difficult for participating countries to reach agreements on financing, emissions reduction and the transition towards cleaner energy sources.
Pakistan’s participation comes as the country seeks stronger international cooperation to address climate vulnerabilities, expand renewable energy and strengthen its ability to respond to natural disasters.
The summit will provide Shehbaz Sharif with an international platform to present Pakistan’s climate priorities and press for financial assistance and practical cooperation to support developing nations.
