Pakistan Seeks Reliable Climate Finance as World Leaders Gather in Antalya

ANTALYA (Nazrana Times Monitoring Desk): Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to urge world leaders on Wednesday to deliver concrete climate action and reliable financing for developing countries, as the COP31 summit faces divisions over funding and the transition to cleaner energy.

According to statements from his office and the foreign ministry ahead of his address, Sharif will call for predictable, adequate and accessible climate finance. He will also highlight Pakistan’s expansion of solar power and renewable energy.

“The prime minister will address the Leaders’ Summit on 11 November 2026, during which he will urge the global community to take concrete actions to address the threat posed by climate change to the planet,” the foreign ministry said.

His address will outline efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and early-warning systems as Pakistan seeks international support to manage worsening climate risks.

Clean-Energy Dialogue and Bilateral Meetings

Sharif arrived in Antalya on Tuesday for the summit. His office said he was also scheduled to address the clean-energy dialogue, “35 by 35: Powering the Future”, and hold bilateral meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other leaders.

Türkiye is promoting a proposal to raise electricity’s share of global energy consumption to 35% by 2035, from just over a fifth currently. Negotiators are seeking agreement on accelerating electrification.

Pakistan Seeks Scientific Cooperation on Glacier Risks

Pakistan has separately sought international scientific cooperation to assess threats facing its glaciers and mountain communities. According to Radio Pakistan, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik told an event at the UN Climate Change Pavilion that melting glaciers and glacial lake outburst floods posed growing risks.

The appeal comes as developing countries press for faster access to financing to protect communities and build cleaner economies. Climate finance remains a central point of disagreement at the conference, alongside efforts to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels.

COP31 opened on November 9 and runs until November 20. Türkiye holds the conference presidency, while Australia leads the negotiations under a shared arrangement. The Leaders’ Summit takes place on Wednesday and Thursday.