Pakistan’s Bold Climate Strategy: High-Level Committee Formed for COP-30 Preparations

COP-30 Preparations are officially underway in Pakistan as the federal government announces a high-level Steering Committee, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s climate diplomacy strategy. With global eyes set on COP-30 in Belém, Brazil, Pakistan’s new climate push reflects both urgency and ambition.

The decision, approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, places Pakistan on the path to a proactive and influential role at the next UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties.

High-Level Committee Structure

The newly constituted Steering Committee for COP-30 Preparations features top-tier government officials and climate leaders, signaling the high stakes of Pakistan’s participation.

• Convener: Prime Minister of Pakistan

• Co-Convener: Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives (PD&SI)

• Members:

  • Senator Sherry Rehman (Minister for Climate Change)

  • Mr. Tariq Fatemi (SAPM)

  • Mr. Muhammad Jahanzeb Khan

  • Secretaries from Foreign Affairs, Economic Affairs Division, Climate Change, and Finance Division

• Member Secretary: Additional Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change

• Secretariat: Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination

This powerful composition ensures cross-sectoral coordination, essential for comprehensive COP-30 Preparations.

Objectives of the Steering Committee

The committee’s mandate includes overseeing all aspects of COP-30 engagement:

• Define Pakistan’s official stance and negotiation position

• Identify and prioritize thematic focus areas

• Coordinate bilateral and multilateral meetings of the Prime Minister

• Prepare and approve the Prime Minister’s official speech

• Form sub-committees and co-opt experts for thematic and technical input

• Supervise logistical and diplomatic arrangements for the national delegation

These functions will enable a well-rounded presence at COP-30, increasing Pakistan’s leverage on issues like climate finance, loss and damage, and adaptation.

Key Themes for COP-30

The committee will shape Pakistan’s climate agenda based on emerging global priorities and national interests.

Expected focus areas include:

• Climate Justice and Equity

• Operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund

• Mobilizing Climate Finance for Adaptation

• Nature-Based Solutions and Reforestation

• Transboundary Water Security and Glacier Protection

• Climate Resilience in Agriculture and Public Health

These themes are closely tied to Pakistan’s climate vulnerability profile, as highlighted by the Global Climate Risk Index and reports from the UNFCCC.

Diplomatic and Technical Preparation

The first meeting of the Steering Committee is scheduled for August 2025, aiming to jumpstart early technical consultations and diplomatic outreach.

The Ministry of Climate Change will coordinate:

• Technical working papers

• Inter-ministerial consultations

• Engagement with civil society and youth climate activists

• Climate diplomacy with Global South partners

• Collaboration with international platforms like G77+China and Climate Vulnerable Forum

This strategy ensures that Pakistan’s voice will be loud, credible, and consistent at COP-30.

Building on COP-29 Lessons

Pakistan’s engagement at COP-29 in Baku, Azerbaijan set a strong precedent.

Key takeaways from COP-29 that inform COP-30 Preparations include:

• The need for stronger alliances with developing nations

• Importance of early position papers and leadership-level dialogue

• Demand for transparent and accessible climate financing mechanisms

• Enhanced role for women and youth in climate policy discussions

At COP-29, Pakistan made headlines for advocating a “Fair Share for the Vulnerable”, gaining global support for loss and damage financing.

Now, with institutional memory and momentum, the COP-30 Steering Committee is positioned to amplify Pakistan’s leadership role.

Internal Coordination and Accountability

The committee has been empowered to form sub-committees in areas such as:

• Finance and Carbon Markets

• Adaptation and Resilience

• Communication and Media Strategy

• Private Sector and Innovation

These sub-committees will ensure broad-based inputs, while also making the process transparent and inclusive.

Moreover, experts from academia, civil society, and international think tanks will be co-opted to lend strategic and technical guidance.

Conclusion

The formation of a high-level steering committee for COP-30 Preparations is a bold and strategic move by the Government of Pakistan. It sends a strong message to the global community: Pakistan is ready to lead on climate.

With a strong mandate, top-level political oversight, and early planning, the committee will play a crucial role in shaping not just Pakistan’s position, but also the global climate discourse.

As the world gears up for COP-30 in Brazil, all eyes will be on Pakistan to deliver credible, ambitious, and equitable climate leadership.

References

1. UN Climate Change COP-30 Overview

2. G77 and China Official Site

3. Global Climate Risk Index 2024

4. Ministry of Climate Change, Pakistan

5. Pakistan’s COP-29 Position Paper – Ministry Archives

Internal Links Suggestion:

• Link to article on Climate Justice in Pakistan

• Link to Loss and Damage Fund Explained

• Link to Pakistan’s Role at COP-29