Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Antalya, Türkiye, on Tuesday to attend the Conference of the Parties (COP) 31 Leaders' Summit, where Pakistan will seek greater international financial support for developing countries facing the effects of climate change.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, Shehbaz will participate in the summit from 10 to 12 November and address world leaders on 11 November.

Senator Sherry Rehman, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Adviser to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi are accompanying him.

The Foreign Office said the prime minister would call for concrete international action to address climate change, particularly through predictable, adequate and accessible financing for developing countries.

He will also highlight Pakistan's efforts to expand solar power, increase renewable energy capacity and strengthen disaster preparedness and early warning systems.

COP31 focuses on climate finance and implementation

The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNCCC) opened in Antalya on Monday, bringing together representatives from nearly 200 countries for negotiations on climate finance, adaptation and emissions reduction.

Türkiye is presiding over the conference, while Australia is chairing the formal negotiations.

Climate finance has emerged as a major issue, with developing countries seeking increased financial assistance to adapt to extreme weather and transition towards cleaner energy.

Türkiye has placed electrification at the centre of its agenda through the proposed 35 by 35 Global Electrification Pledge, which aims to increase electricity's share of global energy demand to at least 35 per cent by 2035.

The conference is also focusing on methane and other powerful climate pollutants, alongside waste management, clean energy and climate resilient cities.

According to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, only 0.5 per cent of global climate mitigation finance currently goes towards reducing these pollutants, despite their contribution to global warming.

Pakistan seeks greater support for climate adaptation

Pakistan has repeatedly called for developed countries to provide financial and technical assistance to nations facing severe climate impacts despite contributing relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions.

The country accounts for less than one per cent of global emissions but remains highly vulnerable to floods, extreme heat and other climate related disasters.

Pakistan also played an important role in negotiations at COP27 in Egypt in 2022, where countries agreed to establish a Loss and Damage Fund to assist vulnerable nations.

At COP31, Shehbaz is expected to emphasise the need to translate international climate commitments into financial support and practical action. Senator Sherry Rehman, who is also the Chair of the Standing Committee on Climate Change and Chair of the Climate and Environment Caucus, will also accompany him.

The prime minister will also attend a high level roundtable convened by the COP31 presidency and hold bilateral meetings with Turkish leaders and other international representatives.

The discussions will provide Pakistan with an opportunity to present its climate priorities and seek cooperation on renewable energy, adaptation and disaster resilience.

The COP31 negotiations will continue until 20 November, with climate finance, emissions reduction and implementation of existing commitments among the main issues under discussion.