BakuPakistan has signed a landmark four-year agreement with the Global Green Growth Initiative (GGGI) to support the country’s transition to a green economy and enhance its resilience to climate change. The deal, which was finalized at the UN-led COP29 climate conference, aims to promote sustainable development through green growth interventions. The agreement was signed by Aisha Humera Moriani, Secretary of the Pakistani Ministry of Climate Change, and Helena Macleod, Deputy Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute.
Under the new country program framework, the Ministry of Climate Change and the Global Green Growth Institute will work together to implement targeted climate action initiatives aimed at addressing Pakistan’s pressing environmental challenges. According to an official statement, the partnership will focus on promoting sustainable development goals in Pakistan by promoting climate-resilient practices in key sectors.
Helena McLeod expressed strong support for Pakistan’s efforts to transition to a green economy, and highlighted the urgent need to address critical issues such as water scarcity, deforestation, and energy shortages, which are exacerbated by climate change. The agreement comes at a time when Pakistan faces severe climate vulnerabilities, ranking fifth among the most vulnerable countries in the world according to the Global Climate Risk Index.
Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change was tragically underscored by the devastating floods of 2022, which claimed more than 1,700 lives, affected more than 33 million others, and caused economic losses exceeding $30 billion. Despite pledges of more than $9 billion in international aid for flood recovery, much of the promised funding has not yet been disbursed.
Romina Khurshid Alam, Climate Change Coordinator in Pakistan, praised the Global Green Growth Institute for its efforts in mobilizing green finance and supporting the implementation of climate action frameworks in the country. Alam noted that Pakistan is increasingly facing extreme weather events caused by climate change, including frequent droughts, cyclones and heatwaves, which have put additional pressure on the country’s resources and infrastructure.
One of the most pressing concerns is the ongoing environmental crisis in Lahore, where high pollution levels have led to hundreds of hospitalizations, school closures, and stay-at-home orders. Toxic smog, caused by a combination of industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust and burning agricultural waste, has blanketed the city for weeks, posing a severe public health risk.
The new partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute aims to help Pakistan develop and implement strategies to mitigate these challenges and promote sustainable and climate-resilient growth. By aligning with global green growth initiatives, the country hopes to reduce climate risks and enhance its resilience to future environmental shocks.