ANTALYA -UNS : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joined world leaders at the COP31 Antalya Leaders’ Summit in Türkiye on Wednesday, where he is set to highlight Pakistan’s climate challenges and call for stronger international cooperation and financial support for developing countries.
The prime minister was welcomed at the summit venue by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
During the visit, Shehbaz also met President Erdogan and Turkish First Lady Emine Erdoğan, while leaders attending the high-level gathering posed for an official group photograph.
The summit has brought together representatives from nearly 200 countries in Antalya amid growing concerns over rising global temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions, and increasingly severe climate-related disasters.
Pakistan to Seek Greater Climate Financing
Pakistan is expected to use the global platform to highlight the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing countries, which contribute relatively little to global emissions but face some of its most damaging consequences.
According to the Foreign Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz will showcase Pakistan’s progress in solarisation and renewable energy expansion as part of its efforts to transition towards a cleaner and more climate-resilient economy.
He is also expected to highlight initiatives aimed at improving disaster preparedness and strengthening early-warning systems.
PM Shehbaz to Address Clean Energy Dialogue
The prime minister is scheduled to address a high-level dialogue on clean energy transition and electrification, organised by the COP31 presidency under the theme “35 by 35: Powering the Future.”
The session is scheduled to begin at 3pm local time (5pm Pakistan time).
A dedicated Pakistan Pavilion has also been established at the summit venue, where 54 events will be organised covering various climate-related issues and initiatives.
Meetings with Regional and International Leaders
On the sidelines of the summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz held several bilateral and informal meetings with international leaders and representatives of global organisations.
Among his key engagements was a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his delegation.
Pakistan’s participation at COP31 is aimed at strengthening international partnerships, attracting climate financing, and ensuring that the concerns of climate-vulnerable developing nations receive greater attention in global climate discussions.
