GENEVA: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik on Thursday called for stronger international cooperation to help developing countries shift to a green economy, speaking at a high-level climate conference in Geneva.
The event was organised by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and took place alongside the Conference of Parties (COPs) to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions in Geneva.
Talking at a ministerial panel discussion, Dr Malik stressed that global green standards must be inclusive and equitable, rather than serving as barriers for poorer nations. “Green development standards should not be a burden but an opportunity for developing countries,” he said, adding, “Global standards must be for everyone, not just wealthy nations.”
“I think the biggest hurdle that I see is that the developing countries of the world are not visible,” he said in his opening remarks. “But I think when I hear this debate, what is not visible to me are the imperatives of developing countries,” he said in the same breath.
“There is no doubt that there is an economic burden of illness on the people, particularly poor people living in developing economies.”
He highlighted the financial challenges faced by countries like Pakistan, noting its 240 million population has only $350 million in private portfolios — far too little to fund green initiatives alone.
“Without adequate resources, technology transfer, and research support, a green economy remains out of reach for developing nations,” he added.
Dr Malik urged the international community to ensure fairness in climate policies, warning that environmental goals cannot be achieved without including developing countries.
“Developing nations must be active participants in the global economy, not left on the margins,” he said.
Calling for bold action, he concluded, “The world must make courageous decisions for a shared green future.
Practical barriers must be removed through resource mobilisation, not rhetoric.
The summit continues to discuss strategies for equitable climate action amid growing pressure to meet global sustainability targets. –Agencies
