Antalya (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to present Pakistan’s climate priorities at the COP31 Antalya Leaders’ Summit in Türkiye today, calling for stronger international cooperation, increased climate finance and accelerated global action to address climate change.
Leaders and delegates from nearly 200 countries have gathered in the Mediterranean city of Antalya amid concerns over persistently high greenhouse gas emissions and competing global challenges, including armed conflicts, inflation and economic uncertainty.
According to the COP31 schedule, world leaders will begin delivering their statements on Wednesday afternoon, with speeches continuing through Thursday.
Among the expected speakers are Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine. Lula’s participation follows Brazil’s hosting of last year’s climate conference.
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The United States, historically the world’s largest cumulative greenhouse gas emitter, is absent from the talks for a second consecutive year after President Donald Trump withdrew the country from international climate cooperation following his return to office in 2025.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said Shehbaz Sharif would emphasise the urgent need for enhanced global climate action and stronger international cooperation to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
According to the Foreign Office, the prime minister will highlight Pakistan’s efforts to accelerate solarisation and expand renewable energy capacity as part of its transition towards a cleaner and more climate-resilient economy.
Read More: PM Shehbaz to Urge Global Climate Action at COP31 Leaders’ Summit in Türkiye
He is also expected to present the country’s initiatives to strengthen disaster preparedness and early-warning systems, while calling for predictable, adequate and accessible climate financing to help developing countries improve resilience and pursue sustainable development.
Climate finance remains a key concern for developing countries, which face growing climate-related risks and require financial and technological support to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
During the summit, PM Shehbaz Sharif will address a high-level dialogue on clean energy transition and electrification convened by the COP31 presidency.
The session, titled “35 by 35: Powering the Future,” is scheduled for 3pm local time, corresponding to 5pm Pakistan time.
The discussion is expected to focus on accelerating the transition towards cleaner energy systems and expanding access to sustainable electricity.
On the sidelines of the summit, the prime minister is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other participating world leaders. The meetings will cover matters of mutual interest and explore opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The PMO said a dedicated Pakistan Pavilion had also been established at the COP31 venue, where 54 events would be organised on a range of climate-related themes.
Pakistan’s participation comes as the country seeks greater international support for climate resilience, renewable energy development and disaster preparedness, while highlighting the challenges faced by developing economies in responding to climate change.
