Gillani Urges Pakistan-Ethiopia Cooperation to Tackle Climate Change Impacts with Bold Vision
Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gillani calls for Pakistan-Ethiopia cooperation to tackle climate change impacts through joint task forces, reforestation, and South-South partnerships.
Pakistan-Ethiopia cooperation to tackle climate change impacts has emerged as a central theme in Islamabad this week, as Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani called for deeper collaboration between the two nations. Speaking at the Ethiopia-Pakistan Green Dialogue, Gillani highlighted the urgency of climate action, stressing that both countries must pool resources, share knowledge, and build resilient strategies against global warming.
Gillani’s Call for Urgent Action
Gillani expressed that climate change is not a distant concern but a pressing reality for Pakistan. He pointed out that despite contributing less than 1% to global carbon emissions, Pakistan is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations. Floods, glacial melting, prolonged droughts, and heatwaves have disrupted millions of lives.
“Practical collaboration through joint task forces, parliamentary exchanges, and research partnerships is essential to mitigate hazardous climate impacts,” Gillani remarked.
His statement signals Pakistan’s intent to strengthen ties with Ethiopia, particularly in green initiatives and climate adaptation projects.
Pakistan’s Climate Vulnerability
Pakistan stands at the frontline of the climate crisis. The devastating 2022 floods submerged nearly one-third of the country, displacing over 33 million people. Glacial melting in the Himalayas, unpredictable monsoons, and increasing drought conditions threaten agriculture, water resources, and food security.
Despite being a low-emission nation, Pakistan pays a disproportionately high cost. The need for international cooperation—including South-South collaboration—has never been greater.
For context, the Germanwatch Global Climate Risk Index consistently places Pakistan among the top 10 countries most affected by climate extremes.
Read more on Pakistan’s climate vulnerability here
Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative: A Model for the World
Gillani praised Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), which has already planted billions of trees to fight deforestation, desertification, and land degradation. Ethiopia has successfully demonstrated that reforestation at scale is possible in developing countries.
This initiative resonates with Pakistan’s own 10 Billion Tree Tsunami project, launched to restore degraded ecosystems. Both nations share common goals, making Pakistan-Ethiopia cooperation to tackle climate change impacts a natural partnership.
Learn about Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative here
South-South Cooperation for Shared Climate Solutions
Gillani emphasized that Pakistan and Ethiopia, though geographically distant, face similar challenges of food insecurity, water stress, and energy shortages driven by climate change.
Through South-South cooperation, developing countries can share:
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Best practices in reforestation and land management
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Climate-smart agriculture techniques
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Renewable energy solutions
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Disaster risk management frameworks
This model allows countries like Pakistan and Ethiopia to reduce dependence on Western climate finance and develop indigenous solutions.
Pakistan’s Role in Global Climate Diplomacy
Pakistan has emerged as an active voice in climate negotiations:
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At COP27 in Egypt, Pakistan championed the Loss and Damage Fund, ensuring that nations facing climate disasters receive financial assistance.
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Ahead of COP29, Pakistan is pushing for equitable climate finance mechanisms to support adaptation in vulnerable states.
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Through forums like the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, Pakistan seeks to mobilize parliamentary leadership worldwide on climate action.
Gillani’s remarks highlight how domestic resilience and international partnerships are both crucial to climate security.
Pathways for Joint Action: Research, Task Forces & Exchanges
Gillani proposed multiple avenues for Pakistan-Ethiopia cooperation to tackle climate change impacts:
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Joint Task Forces: To design climate adaptation strategies
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Parliamentary Exchanges: To strengthen policy frameworks
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Research Partnerships: Between universities and think tanks
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Technology Transfer: In renewable energy and water management
Such initiatives could create long-term frameworks for cooperation, benefiting not only Pakistan and Ethiopia but also other developing nations in Africa and South Asia.
The Road Ahead: Building Stronger Pakistan-Ethiopia Ties
The dialogue in Islamabad sets the stage for deepening bilateral ties. By aligning policy, science, and diplomacy, both nations can strengthen resilience against climate shocks.
Pakistan’s invitation to Ethiopia’s parliamentary leadership for the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference is another step toward institutionalizing cooperation.
The road ahead involves:
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Scaling up tree plantation drives
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Advancing joint research in agriculture and water management
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Advocating for fair climate financing at global platforms
Conclusion
The call for Pakistan-Ethiopia cooperation to tackle climate change impacts reflects a growing recognition that climate change knows no borders. With Pakistan’s experience in global climate diplomacy and Ethiopia’s leadership in reforestation, both nations can shape transformative solutions.
Gillani’s vision is not just about two countries—it is about South-South solidarity, resilience, and hope for a sustainable future.
