At the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) held a significant panel discussion on "From Policy to Practice: COP-29 and the Way Forward for Pakistan", emphasizing actionable strategies for mobilizing international climate finance and fostering regional collaboration.
Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik emphasized the importance of equitable and innovative climate financing mechanisms, including the development of hybrid models such as climate bonds and advocating for grants instead of loans to assist highly vulnerable nations. He also highlighted Pakistan’s proactive disaster risk reduction (DRR) model, which has gained international recognition, and proposed early warning readiness solutions for the Hindu Kush–Karakoram–Himalaya (HKH) region, where rapidly receding glaciers pose significant risks.
The panel included distinguished experts such as Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, Ms. Astrid Zwick, Co-Director of Global Shield against Climate Risks, Mr. Ben Webster, Head of Secretariat for the Risk-Informed Early Action Partnership (REAP)-IFRC, and Dr. Suchismita Mukhopadhyay, Lead Specialist-Advocacy at the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
Speakers emphasized the global feasibility of achieving the UN Early Warning for All goal by 2027, provided developed nations share climate intelligence. Pakistan offered its support to enhance connectivity for this purpose and proposed the joint development of a free global risk alerting app to safeguard vulnerable communities.
The discussion also addressed the importance of pre-impact investment to protect vulnerable countries and reduce stress on Loss and Damage funds post-disaster. The introduction of global compliance protocols was suggested to ensure effective utilization of climate finance and incentivize resilience-building. Participants further called for regular integrated simulation exercises involving global stakeholders, with Pakistan’s extensive experience in this area highlighted as a valuable model for national and regional readiness.
The event concluded with a call for international collaboration to standardize global risk communication and promote climate resilience through accessible and innovative solutions. NDMA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing these priorities and continuing its role as a regional leader in climate action and disaster preparedness.
NDMA's participation at COP 29 underscores Pakistan's commitment to addressing climate change and enhancing resilience through international cooperation and support.