ANTALYA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Antalya for a three-day visit to attend the Leaders’ Summit of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), where he is expected to call for stronger international action and greater financial support for developing countries.
The prime minister was received at the airport by Türkiye’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Gökhan Yazgı, Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to Türkiye Amna Baloch and senior Turkish officials.
During the summit on Wednesday, November 11, Shehbaz is scheduled to present Pakistan’s climate priorities and highlight the need for international cooperation to address the growing impact of climate change. He will also participate in a high-level dialogue on clean energy transition and electrification titled “35 by 35: Powering the Future”.
Pakistan is expected to highlight its efforts to accelerate solarisation, expand renewable energy capacity and strengthen disaster preparedness and early-warning systems. The prime minister will also call for predictable, adequate and accessible climate financing to help developing countries improve climate resilience and pursue sustainable development.
Bilateral meetings and Pakistan Pavilion
On the sidelines of the summit, Shehbaz is expected to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other international leaders to discuss bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest. A Pakistan Pavilion has also been established at the COP31 venue, featuring 54 events covering different climate-related issues and policy priorities.
Pakistan has previously played an active role in international climate negotiations, including diplomatic efforts that contributed to the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund during COP27.
The visit provides Pakistan with an opportunity to present its climate challenges and seek stronger international partnerships for adaptation, renewable energy and disaster risk management.
