PM commends UAE’s $30 billion climate fund as historic

Dubai: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Sunday lauded the UAE's groundbreaking announcement of thirty billion dollars fund, aimed at addressing the adverse impacts of climate change, particularly in the Global South.

In an exclusive interview with Aletihad, the Prime Minister underscored the significance of this bold and historic initiative and emphasized that Pakistan perceives climate change not only as a national security challenge, but also as a collective global concern.

The Prime Minister stressed the universality of the issue, stating that climate change poses a common challenge to all states irrespective of their size.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar remarked on the evolving nature of climate change, noting its dynamic transformations affecting regions across the globe.

Terming climate fund initiative as promising, the Caretaker Prime Minister said it would be translated into tangible projects and Pakistan is poised to be one of the beneficiaries of the UAE-led climate fund.

In a call for action, the Prime Minister urged vulnerable nations and major emitters to collaboratively determine terms of reference for dialogue, emphasizing the need to collectively address the pressing issue of climate change.

Highlighting the enduring and sustainable partnership between the UAE and Pakistan, particularly in climate mitigation, adaptation, and finance, the Prime Minister expressed optimism for continued collaboration. He noted that new investments are strategically focused on addressing climate change's social and economic dimensions, fostering a sustainable partnership with shared interests.

Talking about recently-signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the two countries, the Prime Minister emphasized  that these MoUs mark the beginning of a new chapter of bilateral collaboration.  He expressed hope for an increase in joint projects with a focus on achieving tangible and result-oriented outcomes in the coming decades.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar identified numerous opportunities within the region where Pakistan, leveraging its youthful population and their diverse skills, can contribute significantly across various sectors.

Acknowledging the robust role played by the 1.7 million Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, the Prime Minister appreciated their impactful contribution in strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

Highlighting potential areas for joint projects, he termed agriculture, food security, mining, IT, and industry and manufacturing sectors as potential areas for joint projects. He emphasized the youth-driven demographic advantage, with 65% of Pakistan's 14 million population under the age of 25, proficient in major global languages, as a key asset for collaborative initiatives.

The Prime Minister extended congratulations to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the Government of the UAE for hosting the exemplary COP28 event. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said such events demonstrate UAE's sense of moral, political, and social responsibility towards addressing the critical issue of climate change.