At COP31, PM Shehbaz calls for grant-based finance, resilience funding for climate-vulnerable countries

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At COP31 in Antalya, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for grant-based climate finance and expanded resilience and adaptation funding for vulnerable countries. He said climate assistance should not worsen recipient countries' debt and emphasized that national efforts require a fair global response.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called for grant-based finance and improved resilience and adaptation funds for climate-vulnerable countries at COP31, being held in Turkiye’s Antalya. This year’s summit focuses on transitioning toward a low-carbon future. Delegates from nearly 200 countries are meeting in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya as global greenhouse gas emissions show little sign of falling and wars, inflation and other crises compete for political attention. Addressing the summit, PM Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s efforts at promoting clean energy, but warned that “national effort cannot replace a fair and just global response.” “When climate disasters strike, vulnerable countries need timely help and finance that does not deepen their debt,” PM Shehbaz noted, adding that Pakistan called for “grant-based finance, including public-private partnership, alongside significant enhancement of resilience and adaptation funds, which amount to survival funds, especially for struggling economies.” More to follow.