Islamabad, 25th September 2021 (TDI): Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan virtually addressed the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York. In his speech, Imran Khan laid a significant emphasis on the issue of climate change.
The Prime Minister said that climate change is the biggest existential threat faced by the world today. He further added, Pakistan’s contribution to global emissions is negligible. Yet, the country is among the top 10 most affected and vulnerable because of climate change.
The Prime Minister reiterated that Pakistan is fully aware of its global responsibilities to curb the adverse impacts of climate change. He enunciated various initiatives launched by the government to protect the environment. This includes Ten Billion Tree Tsunami, preserving natural habitats, switching to renewable energy, removing pollution from cities, and adapting to climate change.
Khan also laid down a four-pronged strategy to overcome the triple crisis of climate change, COVID-19 pandemic, and economic downturn. This includes:
1- Ensuring Vaccine Equality: Everywhere and everyone should be vaccinated without any discrimination
2- Investment Strategies: To alleviate poverty, create jobs, and bridge the digital divide. For this purpose adopt debt restructuring, expanding Official Development Assistance (ODA), and redistribution of Special Drawing Rights (SDR); especially among underdeveloped and developing countries.
3- Convene SDG Summit 2025: To review and accelerate the process of implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The international community hails Prime Minister Imran Khan’s initiatives for addressing climate change. Recently, United Kingdom’s President, Boris Jonson, also appreciated his efforts for climate change. In his keynote speech in the United Nations General Assembly 76th session, Boris Jonson termed Imran khan’s initiatives as ‘exemplary’.
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