PM Shehbaz Sharif to Address COP31 Summit in Türkiye on November 11
He will also outline Pakistan's initiatives to strengthen disaster preparedness and early-warning systems to reduce the risks associated with climate-related disasters.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Antalya, Türkiye, from November 10 to 12 to participate in the Leaders’ Summit of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Foreign Office announced on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the prime minister will address the summit on November 11, urging the international community to take concrete action against the growing threat of climate change.
During his address, Shehbaz Sharif will highlight Pakistan’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of solar energy and expand renewable energy capacity as part of the country’s transition towards a cleaner and more climate-resilient economy.
He will also outline Pakistan’s initiatives to strengthen disaster preparedness and early-warning systems to reduce the risks associated with climate-related disasters.
Pakistan to Push for Climate Finance
A major focus of the prime minister’s participation will be the need for predictable, adequate and accessible climate finance for developing countries.
Shehbaz Sharif will call on the international community to ensure that vulnerable nations have access to the financial resources required to strengthen climate resilience and pursue sustainable development.
Pakistan has consistently highlighted the challenges developing countries face in responding to climate change, particularly the financial burden of adaptation and disaster preparedness.
The prime minister’s address is expected to reinforce Pakistan’s position that international climate cooperation must be supported by practical commitments and accessible financing mechanisms.
High-Level Meetings on Summit Sidelines
In addition to addressing the Leaders’ Summit, the prime minister will participate in a high-level roundtable convened by the COP31 Presidency.
He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the Turkish leadership and several other world leaders during his visit.
These engagements will provide opportunities to discuss climate cooperation and other matters of mutual interest.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan’s participation in the summit reflects its strong support for the international climate agenda and its commitment to working closely with the global community to address the climate crisis.
The COP31 Leaders’ Summit will provide Pakistan with a platform to highlight its renewable energy initiatives, climate adaptation priorities and demand for greater international financial support.
