Islamabad: Pakistan has urged the international community to provide adequate funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) to assist developing countries in improving their health infrastructures that are under severe pressure from the impact of ongoing conflicts, climate change and global energy crisis, among other factors.

“Developing countries need access to essential health care services and safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines, vaccines, latest diagnostics and health technologies, including assistive technologies,” Ambassador Muhammad Usman Iqbal Jadoon, acting permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the General Assembly on Thursday.

Speaking in a debate on Global Health, the Pakistani envoy said the ongoing global health challenges underscored the urgency of a collaborative and comprehensive approach premised on the principles of equity, non-discrimination, global solidarity and burden sharing.

Public health today, he said, was not merely a humanitarian concern but an economic, social and strategic imperative that affects all. Pointing out that COVID-19 especially highlighted the health systems’ limitations, Ambassador Jadoon said, “It made us realize how unprepared we were, and probably still are. It convinced us of the dire need to invest in the global health security system.”

Pakistan, he said, firmly believes in working collectively to create a health system that is fit for purpose, for all humanity. In this regard, the Pakistani envoy welcomed the adoption of three landmark political declarations by the General Assembly on pandemic preparedness, prevention and response, universal health coverage and the fight against tuberculosis.

Detailing major obstacles faced by health systems in developing countries, he cited universal health coverage as Pakistan’s key national priority, for which his Government has undertaken a range of initiatives.

These initiatives included issuing millions of health insurance cards; finalization of National Health Support Package 2022-2026; completing of process of localization of health-related SDG indicators to set targets till 2030 at the national and provincial levels; introducing of National Immunization Support Program; Sehat Sahulat Program as part of Pakistan’s social protection system; training programmes for lady health workers; and increased budgetary allocations for health sector, among others. “Concrete actions at the national, regional and international level are required to secure health for all,” Ambassador Jadoon added.

Several speakers also highlighted the collapsing healthcare sector in the Gaza Strip, expressing deep concern for the state of civilians there who do not have access to medical care. Saudi Arabia’s representative said her country watched with pain the deteriorating healthcare system in Gaza. She denounced the bombing of the Al-Shifa health complex and the Jordanian field hospital, calling it a clear violation of international humanitarian law.

Dubai: Pakistan and Estonia on Friday agreed to explore the areas of potential cooperation between the two sides including at the level of educational institutions.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia, Kaja Kallas here on the sidelines of World Climate Action Summit.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Kakar expressed Pakistan’s desire to develop cooperative linkages with Estonia particularly in trade & investment, higher education and information technology.

The two leaders emphasized the importance of regular high-level engagement and dialogue to realize the true potential of bilateral ties. Prime Minister Kakar underscored the significance of exploring possibilities of strengthening economic ties.

Prime Minister Kallas agreed and welcomed the signing of the Convention on Elimination of Double Taxation between the two sides. The two prime ministers discussed the importance of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence in dealing with food insecurity and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Prime Minister Kakar appreciated the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund and emphasized the need for concrete actions in the domain of climate action. Prime Minister of Estonia said that climate change was an issue of global concern and must be addressed collectively.

They also agreed on the need for working together to address common challenges such as climate change and food security. The meeting was held at Pakistan Pavilion which also showcased Pakistani art. This engagement provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations and other issues of regional and global importance including threats posed by climate change.

Islamabad: Blue Carbon and the Government of the Bahamas, during COP28 in Dubai, on Friday formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore carbon credit opportunities from transformative projects within the Bahamas.

Amidst global climate action discussions, the signing ceremony represents a significant move towards collaborative efforts aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

This endeavor seeks to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development on a broader scale.

 This MoU symbolizes their partnership to explore and champion carbon credit facilitation opportunities stemming from transformative projects in The Bahamas. Blue Carbon, an environmental solutions provider based in the UAE, and the Government of The Bahamas establish an innovative collaboration at COP28 to enhance climate resilience and promote initiatives for carbon credits.

The MoU delineates a strategic partnership between Blue Carbon and the Bahamian government, specifically emphasizing initiatives related to blue carbon. These efforts target the conservation, restoration, and enhancement of seagrass ecosystems, biodiversity, and the maintenance of coral reefs. Historically impacted by hurricanes and severe weather events, The Bahamas urgently requires solutions to address the harm inflicted on marine life, intensified by climate change stressors. These include elevated sea surface temperatures causing coral bleaching on the nation’s reefs.

The partnership also aims to bring adaptation benefits to local communities and the environment, enhancing resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change. By focusing on blue carbon initiatives, the collaboration seeks to safeguard marine ecosystems from the impacts of hurricanes and extreme weather events.

The MOU also paves the way for the engagement of The Bahamas in the opportunities provided by Article 6 carbon markets, as Blue Carbon will work with the government to facilitate the establishment of Article 6 infrastructure in accordance with UNFCCC guidance. Blue Carbon will concentrate on identifying prospects for crafting credits compliant with Article 6, specifically involving Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs). Recognized as high-integrity carbon credits within the Paris Agreement, these credits signify measurable emissions reductions adhering to rigorous criteria, ensuring their environmental integrity and credibility. Representatives from Blue Carbon, the Government of The Bahamas and distinguished guests graced the signing ceremony, underscoring the collaborative endeavor essential for addressing global climate change challenges.