PM heads to COP31, calls for stronger climate commitments

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to depart for Turkiye on Monday for a three-day visit to attend the Leaders’ Summit of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya.

The prime minister will address the summit on November 11, urging the international community to take practical and coordinated measures to tackle the growing threat of climate change.

During his speech, Shehbaz will highlight Pakistan’s efforts to accelerate solar energy adoption and expand renewable energy capacity. He will also outline the country’s initiatives to strengthen disaster preparedness and improve early-warning systems as part of its transition towards a cleaner and more climate-resilient economy.

According to the Foreign Office, the premier will emphasise the need for predictable, sufficient and accessible climate financing to help developing countries cope with climate-related challenges and achieve sustainable development.

He is also scheduled to attend a high-level roundtable organised by the COP31 presidency. In addition, he will hold bilateral meetings with Turkish leaders and other heads of state and government on the sidelines of the summit.

Pakistan’s participation reflects its commitment to international climate cooperation and efforts to address the environmental challenges facing vulnerable countries.

Meanwhile, COP31 negotiations began in Antalya amid disagreements over climate financing, with developing nations pressing wealthier countries to provide greater financial support for climate adaptation and clean energy transitions.

The opening ceremony was delayed by around 90 minutes as negotiators held discussions over demands to include climate finance issues in the official agenda. Developing countries argue that existing financial commitments are insufficient to address the growing costs of climate-related disasters.

African nations are also seeking greater attention to adaptation financing, which supports measures such as coastal protection infrastructure and drought-resistant agriculture. However, their demand for a separate agenda item on tripling adaptation finance did not secure approval.

The negotiations are taking place against the backdrop of extreme weather events, rising global temperatures, melting ice and increasing sea levels. A report by the World Meteorological Organisation indicated that 2026 has continued the trend of unusually high global temperatures.

The European Union’s climate monitoring service has also projected that 2026 could become the second-hottest year on record, while scientists have warned that the developing El Niño phenomenon could push temperatures even higher in 2027.

The United Nations has previously warned that global temperatures are on course to exceed the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold above pre-industrial levels, raising concerns about the world’s ability to meet the most ambitious target of the Paris Climate Agreement.