At the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar emphasized the urgency for affluent nations to deliver on their climate finance commitments. Specifically, Kakar highlighted the commitment of developed countries to provide an annual $100 billion for climate efforts.
Addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit, he urged these nations to aid Pakistan and other developing states in their climate efforts and achieve the SDGs. Pakistan’s plight was emphasized, noting its minimal contribution to global warming yet bearing the brunt as one of the top ten vulnerable countries.
The nation’s proactive approach was spotlighted, mentioning the “Living Indus Initiative”, efforts in enhancing early warning systems, and a pledge to shift 60% of its energy resources to renewable sources by 2030. Kakar also drew attention to the spiritual and moral imperatives behind such efforts, citing Quranic teachings advocating environmental responsibility.
Global Preparedness for Pandemics
PM Kakar called for a collective global approach in a separate dialogue on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response. He emphasized the importance of a legally binding treaty, as the World Health Assembly endorsed, for fortifying defenses against future health crises. e opined that vaccine production and distribution decisions should be made through intergovernmental discussions under the World Health Organization’s guidance.
Further, Kakar underscored the need for an international commitment to bolster supply chains, diversify manufacturing capacities, facilitate the movement of medical goods, and ensure technology transfers to developing nations. He highlighted that effective health emergency preparedness would necessitate about $30 billion annually, with a significant financing gap that needs to be addressed.
