New York, 14 February 2024 (TDI): Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered a pivotal statement on February 13, during the United Nations Security Council’s high-level debate.
The discussion focused on ‘The Impact of Climate and Food Insecurity on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security’.
Ambassador Akram underscored the critical linkages between climate change, food insecurity, and their role as primary drivers of conflict, both within and between states.
Escalating tensions amidst climate-induced changes
In his address, Ambassador Akram highlighted the escalating tensions arising from competition over agricultural land, pastures, fisheries, and seabed mineral resources, exacerbated by climate-induced changes.
He emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address the looming water crisis, citing Pakistan’s vulnerability to glacial melting and extreme weather events, such as the devastating floods of 2022.
Acknowledging the outcomes of the UN Water Conference and the significance of preserving Himalayan glaciers, Ambassador Akram reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the strict implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty.
He outlined Pakistan’s efforts to revitalize the Indus River Basin, a crucial source of food security for millions, through initiatives like the Multidimensional Living Indus Project.
Avoiding Securitization: The Imperative of Sustainable Development
Furthermore, Ambassador Akram cautioned against securitizing the climate and development agenda, urging against diverting scarce funds from essential climate action to security-related approaches.
He stressed that sustainable development, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate objectives, remains the most effective means of conflict prevention.
At COP 28, Ambassador Akram noted the adoption of key decisions towards a just and equitable energy transition, emphasizing the imperative of emission reductions and adequate climate finance.
He underscored the challenge of mobilizing the estimated $1.5 trillion annual investment required for sustainable green energy infrastructure by 2050, urging industrialized nations to fulfill their commitments, including the provision of $100 billion annually in climate finance.
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Additionally, Ambassador Akram called upon the Security Council to endorse commitments made on climate change and sustainable development, transforming them into binding obligations.
Moreover, he emphasized the Security Council’s potential to contribute significantly to both climate and development goals by aligning with global commitments and fostering international cooperation.
In conclusion, Ambassador Akram reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to collaborative efforts in addressing the complex interplay between climate change, food insecurity, and conflict, underscoring the imperative of collective action to safeguard international peace and security in an era of environmental challenges.
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