SHAMAKHI, Wednesday, July 23, 2025 (WNP): Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, has urged the international community to take urgent and equitable climate action, stressing that developing countries like Pakistan continue to suffer the consequences of a crisis they did little to cause.

Speaking on the sidelines of the COP Heads of Delegation Retreat in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan, Dr. Malik held high-level bilateral meetings with COP-29 President Mukhtar Babayev and Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister and Lead COP Negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev. He underscored the need for developed nations to fulfill long-standing climate finance commitments and support vulnerable countries in building resilience.

“The Global South bears the brunt of climate-induced disasters, while the Global North is historically responsible for the vast majority of greenhouse gas emissions,” Dr. Malik said, highlighting Pakistan’s heightened vulnerability due to its proximity to two of the world’s largest emitters.

He described climate change as a “transboundary issue,” stressing that extreme weather events and environmental degradation know no borders and require coordinated, international responses grounded in justice and scientific evidence.

The discussions also explored concrete areas for green cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, including the development of renewable energy, climate-resilient agriculture, and disaster risk reduction initiatives. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and expressed optimism that the upcoming COP-29 would deliver actionable outcomes.

Dr. Malik voiced confidence in Azerbaijan’s COP presidency and reiterated Pakistan’s full support in advancing a climate agenda that prioritizes both equity and accountability. “We need meaningful action—not just pledges,” he emphasized. “This is a critical moment to rebuild trust and deliver on emissions reductions and climate finance.”