In Solidarity with Pakistan: Global Young Leaders Dialogue for Climate Change and Action

A recording of these remarks can be found on YouTube and Tencent Video

H.E. Mr. Moin-ul-Haque, Ambassador of Pakistan to China,

H.E. Mr. SHA Zukang, President of China-Pakistan Friendship Association, Former Under-Secretary General of the United Nations,

Mr. Henry Huiyao WANG, President of the Center for China and Globalization,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I thank the Embassy of Pakistan in China and the Center for China and Globalization for the invitation to address the “In Solidarity with Pakistan” Global Young Leaders Dialogue for Climate Change and Action.

Climate change is a grave and mounting threat to our well-being and a healthy planet. From shifting weather patterns that threaten food production, to rising sea levels that increase the risk of catastrophic flooding, the impacts of climate change are global in scope and unprecedented in scale.

Historically, the world’s richest nations bare the most responsibility for climate change, yet the adverse effects are being felt worst and first by the most vulnerable people in the poorest countries. 

Although contributing to less than 1 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan is consistently ranked among the 10 most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change.

The recent torrential monsoon rains triggered the most severe flooding in Pakistan’s history, and the people of Pakistan are living through the world’s worst climate nightmare.

According to the latest report released by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the number of damaged and destroyed houses exceeds 2 million. Around 23,900 schools, 1,460 health facilities and 13,000 kilometres of roads have also reportedly been damaged. Some 7.9 million people are reportedly displaced as a result of the heavy rains and floods.

This is without precedent.

Climate change has increased levels of uncertainty about our future. Amid this uncertainty, one thing is certain: It is this planet that we will leave to our children, young people and future generations.

Young people today constitute the majority of the population in many countries and have an increasingly strong social and environmental awareness, which has the power to transform our societies towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient future.

Beyond mere victims of climate change, they are in fact valuable contributors to climate action as agents of change, entrepreneurs and innovators.

I firmly believe that young people across the globe can join hands to create a more sustainable and greener world for all. Their actions should inspire us all to join them.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Climate change is a global emergency that goes beyond national borders. It is an issue that requires international cooperation and coordinated solutions at all levels. Without action, we are fast-tracking a global climate disaster.

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on the international community to work together to “respond quickly and collaboratively” to the crisis in Pakistan caused by floods. He urged, “Let’s stop sleepwalking towards the destruction of our planet by climate change. Today, it’s Pakistan. Tomorrow, it could be your country.”

With less than eight years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the Decade of Action, there is no more time to waste in the face of the undeniable impact of man-made climate change. We need to call on all parties to redouble efforts to safeguard our planet for present and emerging generations.

Our actions today will shape how people adapt, and nature responds to increasing climate risks. And now is the time to save us from the climate crisis.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

People in Pakistan deserve climate justice, international solidarity and the support of all countries to assist Pakistan with its recovery.

Thank you.