ISSI holds Round Table “COP28: An Analytical View

Islamabad - 22 December, 2023 (Adnan Hameed): The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change (CSCCC), organized a roundtable discussion on “COP 28: An Analytical View.” The keynote Speaker at the event was Mr. Asif Hyder Shah, Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. Other panelists at the event included: Ms. Aisha Khan, Executive Director, CSCCC; Dr. Imran Saqib Khalid, Director, Governance & Policy WWF, Pakistan; Dr. Shafqat Munir, Head, of Resilient Development Program, SDPI; Dr. Ilhan Niaz, Professor, QAU; Mr. Ahsan Tehsin, World Bank; Mr. Nadeem Ahmad, Climate & Energy Attache at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Ms. Fiza, Fatima Jinnah University, Rawalpindi. In her opening remarks, Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director of CSP, highlighted the significance of key decisions made during COP28. She underscored the necessity for a comprehensive analysis of the outcomes and their impact on stakeholders, providing valuable insights for policymakers. In his welcome address, DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood noted that COP28 has undeniably set the stage for discussions on a crucial subject with far-reaching consequences. The decision to operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund on the conference's first day marked a historic moment, especially for the developing world. Another significant decision involved increasing the role of nuclear energy and reducing fossil fuel usage in the energy mix. He further stated that Pakistan's engagement at COP28 was robust and dynamic, showcasing collaboration among different ministries and the synergic connections developed. Moving forward, Pakistan needs to focus on mitigation and adaptation strategies by adopting sustainable practices. He stressed that a comprehensive approach on ‘green transition’ had to be placed high on the national agenda. In her opening remarks, Ms. Khan highlighted that COP28 marked the first Global Stock Take (GST) post the 2015 Paris Agreement, focusing on advancing the global agenda. Recognizing the time-consuming nature of resolutions on climate change issues, COP28 witnessed crucial decisions, particularly regarding climate finance. Emphasizing Pakistan's strong representation at COP28, Ms. Khan underscored the need for integrating GST into the National Stock Take (NST) for Pakistan. Given the country's extensive climate change challenges, a multi-sectoral approach is essential for effective resolution. In his keynote address, Mr. Shah underscored the substantial progress achieved during COP28, culminating in a host of positive outcomes and increased transparency in climate finance. Notably, Pakistan secured a position on the board of the Loss and Damage Fund, demonstrating its commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change. Additionally, Pakistan's representation on the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage (SNLD further solidifies its global engagement. Mr. Asif Shah emphasized that GST talks were about means of implementation and transition towards renewable energy. Further, Pakistan needs to diversify its energy mix. Reducing GHG emissions by 2030 is a big challenge and Pakistan has to upgrade its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets accordingly. Recognizing the cross-cutting nature of climate change, Mr. Shah stressed the vital role of every institution in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts. Concluding his address, Mr. Shah acknowledged the competitive landscape for accessing the Green Climate Fund, highlighting the imperative for Pakistan to enhance its capacity to secure international funding. Dr. Khalid emphasized that climate change represents a global security issue, underlining the persistent challenge of escalating GHG emissions since the initial COP where global emissions first took center stage. He stressed the imperative for COPs to prioritize transparency in negotiations, recognizing the potential for vested interests to dilute the core issues. Addressing Pakistan's role, Dr. Khalid highlighted the need for the country to enhance its climate change policies to effectively navigate emerging challenges. The evolving nature of climate-related issues necessitates continuous policy improvement and adaptation. Dr. Munir highlighted two key developments at COP28, focusing on the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund and a commitment to reduce the use of fossil fuels in the future. While positive steps were taken, tangible results are still pending, indicating the need for careful examination of the language used and how it aligns with addressing ongoing challenges. Despite progress, a substantial undertaking lies ahead in mobilizing finances, warranting a comprehensive evaluation. In his remarks, Dr. Niaz emphasized that the Global North has yet to assume its primary responsibilities and a critical examination is needed to determin