Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has called for enhanced international support for vulnerable nations facing the brunt of climate change, urging the United Nations to prioritize increased climate finance. The appeal came during his meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York, where both leaders discussed key issues of global and regional significance.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and underscored the UN’s central role in addressing pressing international challenges. He praised Guterres for his leadership in advancing global peace, promoting stability, and ensuring that developing countries have a stronger representation in international governance.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s efforts in managing the aftermath of devastating floods, which displaced millions and caused significant economic damage. He stressed that such climate-induced disasters highlight the urgent need for concerted global action, with particular focus on additional climate finance to help vulnerable countries build resilience. He reiterated that Pakistan, despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions, has borne the heavy cost of climate impacts and requires meaningful international cooperation to recover and safeguard its future.
The Prime Minister also raised several regional and national matters. He called attention to the long-standing Jammu and Kashmir dispute, stressing the need for its peaceful resolution in line with UN Security Council resolutions. He pointed out violations of the Indus Waters Treaty and condemned externally sponsored terrorism, framing these as ongoing threats to regional stability. His remarks emphasized the importance of upholding international agreements and principles to prevent further escalation.
On the subject of global conflicts, Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over the worsening situation in Gaza. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for an immediate ceasefire, provision of humanitarian aid, and a sustainable path toward Palestinian statehood. He praised the UN Secretary-General’s efforts in advocating for humanitarian principles and called for greater global solidarity in addressing the humanitarian crisis.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role within the UN framework, particularly its principled positions at the Security Council. He appreciated Pakistan’s contributions to peacekeeping and its consistent advocacy for equitable solutions to global challenges. Both leaders agreed on the need to strengthen the UN’s effectiveness in promoting peace, stability, and development across the world.
The meeting also reflected Pakistan’s broader diplomatic stance of balancing domestic challenges with active participation in global governance. By foregrounding issues such as climate finance, flood recovery, and regional disputes, Pakistan aims to position itself as a vocal advocate for developing nations navigating the dual pressures of climate vulnerability and geopolitical tensions.
Shehbaz Sharif’s call for expanded climate finance aligns with growing demands from climate-vulnerable countries ahead of international climate summits. With Pakistan’s recent experiences serving as a stark reminder of the devastating impacts of climate change, the Prime Minister’s message highlighted the need for urgent international cooperation, stronger financing mechanisms, and equitable responsibility-sharing among nations.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updated across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.