-Says discussions focused on Climate change action plan, Trade
-Reiterates flood devastation in need of serious global attention
-FM seeks huge investment for climate resilience
NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the 77th session of the United National General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, apprised them of the flood crisis in Pakistan, it emerged on Wednesday.
The premier highlighted the need for collective action to deal with climate change. “I also told them that Pakistan is keen to build partnerships in the realms of trader and economy,” he said in a tweet.
Among the leaders the prime minister met was US Special Envoy for Climate Change John Kerry.
The two leaders discussed the devastating floods in Pakistan, the $55 million provided by the US in assistance so far, and the “urgent need to work together” to fight the climate crisis and prevent future tragedies, Kerry said in a tweet.
“My heart goes out to the affected communities and the Pakistani people,” he added.
The prime minister also met International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.
Apart from meeting other leaders, the prime minister will attend a dinner reception to be hosted by US President Joe Biden.
Meetings with Microsoft founder Bill Gates, UNSG Antonio Guterres, Chinese President Premier Li Keqiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will also be a part of PM Shehbaz’s engagements.
Separately, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in a meeting with Scott Nathan, the head of the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) — a US agency that invests money in lower and middle-income countries, highlighted the need for leveraging the private sector in building disaster resilience covering infrastructure development, renewable energy, livelihood and businesses for women, and rejuvenation of agriculture.
He underlined that Pakistan would require a “huge investment” to develop climate resilience.
Bilawal said that mobilising additional capital through institutions such as DFC, including through coordinated efforts with other development finance institutions, was imperative to ensure that we adequately address the challenge of climate change.
Furthermore, he briefed the DFC head on the devastating floods in Pakistan and the government of Pakistan’s efforts to manage the crisis. He expressed gratitude for the flood relief assistance provided by the US government.
In his response, Nathan reaffirmed DFC’s interest in collaborating with Pakistan’s private sector and assured continued engagement to identify projects ready for investment by US Corporate sector.
The foreign minister, subsequently, invited Nathan to visit Pakistan, who accepted the invitation. –Agencies
