The 29th United Nations, Conferences of the Parties (COP29), was held in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11 to 22, 2024. It highlighted the efforts and initiatives taking place globally to address the mounting climate crisis. Bringing together nearly 200 countries, the conference focused on establishing a new financial framework aimed at assisting nations in combating climate disasters and transitioning to sustainable energy. A landmark outcome was the introduction of the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG), which pledged to triple annual climate finance for developing nations to USD 300 billion by 2035 and mobilize USD 1.3 trillion annually from public and private sources. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, described this commitment as an “insurance policy for humanity,” highlighting its dual role in mitigating disasters and fostering the economic opportunities of the clean energy sector. While progress on carbon markets and adaptation frameworks also marked significant steps forward, it was clear that much work remains to achieve equitable and impactful climate action.
Despite contributing less than 1% of global carbon emissions, Pakistan suffers disproportionately from climate-induced disasters. Advocating for climate justice, the country emphasized the urgent need for financial and technical assistance from developed nations at COP29.
For Pakistan, COP29 was a crucial platform to spotlight its vulnerability to climate change and secure international support. Despite contributing less than 1% of global carbon emissions, the country has suffered disproportionately from climate-induced disasters. The devastating floods of 2022, which caused losses exceeding PKR 24 billion, served as a stark reminder of the urgency for action. The delegation led by Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change, represented Pakistan and emphasized the need for substantial financial and technical assistance from developed nations. Alam reiterated that “climate justice for vulnerable nations” must remain at the forefront of global climate negotiations. The full implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund, established at COP27, was a central demand, as it holds the potential to provide much-needed compensation to communities facing the brunt of climate impacts.
In addition to advocating for financial support, Pakistan pushed for global accountability in reducing emissions to maintain the 1.5°C temperature increase threshold. High-emission countries were urged to fulfill their commitments, both in terms of reducing carbon footprints and contributing to climate finance. Moreover, Pakistan’s preparations for COP29 were marked by extensive consultations with development partners, focusing on areas such as climate diplomacy, gender equality, and sustainable agriculture. These discussions aimed to position the country as an active participant in global negotiations and highlight its commitment to equitable climate solutions.
At COP29, Pakistan also showcased domestic initiatives that reflect its commitment to climate resilience. The Green Pakistan Upscaling Programme was highlighted as a significant effort to enhance forest cover, biodiversity, and disaster preparedness. This program, led by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) in partnership with provincial forest and wildlife units, pushes for the integration of conservation efforts with socioeconomic development. Additionally, Pakistan partnered with UNICEF to pledge child-centered climate policies, recognizing the unique vulnerabilities of children and young people to climate impacts. These commitments included initiatives for disaster risk reduction and education programs aimed at building resilience among the youth.
However, the path forward for Pakistan is not without its challenges, particularly in translating international commitments into actionable strategies. To capitalize on the increased climate finance pledged at COP29, the country must establish institutional mechanisms capable of managing and deploying these funds effectively. This will require building technical capacities, ensuring transparency in fund allocation, and creating frameworks that prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable communities. Given Pakistan’s current socio-economic difficulties, including political instability, rising inflation, and energy shortages, balancing these demands with climate priorities will require careful planning and resource management.
Strengthening adaptation efforts will be a key component of Pakistan’s post-COP29 strategy. Vulnerability assessments must be conducted to identify high-risk populations and areas, enabling targeted interventions that address displacement, livelihood losses, and disaster preparedness. Expanding early warning systems and investing in resilient infrastructure will be critical in mitigating the impacts of future climate events. On the mitigation front, Pakistan has the opportunity to leverage international support to transition to renewable energy, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to global emission reduction goals. Moreover, collaboration will also be essential in the years ahead. Pakistan must continue to engage with international organizations, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to access the financial and technical resources needed for effective climate action. Empowering local communities, incorporating Indigenous knowledge, and ensuring gender inclusivity will further strengthen these efforts, making them more equitable and sustainable.
Pakistan’s path forward hinges on translating COP29 commitments into actionable strategies. Strengthening adaptation, building technical capacities, and leveraging international support for renewable energy transitions are critical for fostering a climate-resilient future.
In addition to advocating for financial support, Pakistan pushed for global accountability in reducing emissions to maintain the 1.5°C temperature increase threshold. High-emission countries were urged to fulfill their commitments, both in terms of reducing carbon footprints and contributing to climate finance. Moreover, Pakistan’s preparations for COP29 were marked by extensive consultations with development partners, focusing on areas such as climate diplomacy, gender equality, and sustainable agriculture. These discussions aimed to position the country as an active participant in global negotiations and highlight its commitment to equitable climate solutions.
While the commitments made at COP29, particularly regarding the Loss and Damage Fund and increased climate finance, offer hope, their impact will ultimately depend on Pakistan’s ability to translate these pledges into meaningful action. Moreover, government officials must continue focusing on advocating for Pakistan’s financial needs to not only recover from the damages of the previous climate disasters but to also collaborate with other countries for more climate focused projects. By combining international support with domestic initiatives, Pakistan can help itself and other vulnerable countries towards a sustainable, climate-resilient future.