Islamabad, 30 June 2022 (TDI): Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Pakistan, Hammad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi called on Pakistan’s Minister for Climate Change, Sherry Rehman.
Both officials discussed the matters of mutual interests between the two countries. Minister Sherry Rehman expressed her views and mentioned the need for activating the bilateral memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Significantly, this was a memorandum on the environment to promote unified climate change mitigation efforts.
Federal Minister Senator @sherryrehman, in a meeting with the UAE Ambassador H.E Hamad Obaid Ibrahimi AlZaabi, discussed the MoU signed on climate between both countries & areas of cooperation. She also congratulated UAE on its selection to host COP28. pic.twitter.com/FwxUA413ic
— Ministry of Climate Change, Govt of Pakistan (@ClimateChangePK) June 29, 2022
Rehman highlighted the growing climate change, adding that it is an issue for the entire region, causing pollution and public health problem.
Moreover, the Minister congratulated the UAE Ambassador for hosting the 28th Global Conference for Parties COP-28.
She, therefore, informed the Ambassador that the Federal Cabinet has approved the National Hazard Waste Management Policy. Noteworthy, this Policy is meant to help reduce the risk of toxic waste.
Additionally, the UAE Ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s initiative to address Climate Change. Both officials agreed to work together to promote bilateral relations.
Pakistan’s fight against Climate Change
Pakistan has actively been addressing the growing climate problems with Pakistan’s authorities taking commendable measures in this regard.
One of the significant steps includes the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami that is related to expanding its commitment to reforestation.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Climate Change has been significantly putting efforts to help Pakistan adapt to changing climatic conditions.
Some significant steps taken by the Ministry include signing an MoU with Korea Land and Housing Corporation on sustainable urban development projects and the ‘Living Indus’ initiative.
In 2018, Pakistan’s Climate Resilience received a boost as the World Bank committed $728 million through four projects. Thus, it was meant to put Pakistan on the path of climate-resilient development.
COP-28 Summit in UAE
UAE will be the second country in the Middle East to host the COP session, after Egypt. UAE gained unanimous support from the Asia-Pacific group at Cop-26, in 2021, which helped it gain this position.
Cop-28 carries a lot of environmental expectations and is poised to take some major resolutions to combat climate change.
In addition, the UAE government’s efforts to transform the economy into one that is fueled by clean and renewable energy resources, reflect its position to host COP-28.
Along with its focus on technological advancement and climate-smart solutions, there are many green initiatives that the country simultaneously propagates and practices.
