Shamakhi (TDI): In a firm message to global leaders, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, urged wealthier nations to take more responsibility for the climate crisis by accelerating emissions cuts and stepping up financial support for countries most at risk.
Dr. Malik delivered this call during meetings with Azerbaijan’s top climate officials, Mukhtar Babayev, COP-29 President and Special Envoy on Environment, and Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev, who is also the lead negotiator for the summit. These discussions took place on the sidelines of the COP Heads of Delegation Retreat in the Azerbaijani city of Shamakhi.
Speaking candidly, Dr. Malik noted that while developing countries like Pakistan bear the brunt of climate-related disasters, it is the industrialized world that remains the largest historical and ongoing contributor to global emissions.
“Pakistan’s position between two of the biggest carbon emitters puts us in an even more precarious spot,” he said, highlighting the country’s growing exposure to extreme weather events and environmental degradation.
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He made it clear that climate change isn’t something any one country can fight alone. “It’s a global problem, and we’re all in it together,” he said, pointing to the shared consequences countries are now facing, from heatwaves and floods to crop failures.
He stressed the need for international efforts that are fair, rooted in science, and focused on long-term survival rather than short-term politics.
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He also took a moment to remind wealthier nations of the promises they’ve made, particularly around climate finance. According to Dr. Malik, the support pledged to help vulnerable countries like Pakistan often arrives late or not at all. “We’re still waiting for much of what was promised,” he said, hinting at growing frustration.
Dr. Malik reaffirmed Pakistan’s full backing for the multilateral climate process and expressed hope that COP-29 will mark a turning point. “We’re optimistic that this summit can produce real, inclusive progress, rooted in science and focused on protecting the most affected populations,” he said.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
