CIDCA chairman attends International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan

The International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan was jointly held by the United Nations and the Pakistani government on Jan 9, 2023. Luo Zhaohui, chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), attended and addressed the conference upon invitation.

Luo noted that the disaster relief and reconstruction work in Pakistan has made tangible progress with joint efforts from the Pakistani government and people and also the international community. But there still remains a long way to go to achieve the goal of the Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Framework (4RF), given the massive damage caused by the floods. He said that the Chinese government and people share the same sentiments and stand firmly with Pakistan. China provided emergency disaster relief supplies by sea, land and air, including tents and food, immediately upon the outbreak of the disaster, and sent a medical expert team and a disaster evaluation team.

On top of that, Luo announced that China will grant another $100 million for reconstruction programs through bilateral channels to support the 4RF, plans to train 1,000 Pakistani technical staff and officials focusing on disaster prevention and management, and is willing to join the International Partners' Support Group.

Luo called for the international community and UN member countries to continue to join hands with Pakistan in reconstruction work. China proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI) in 2021, which aligns with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. To implement the GDI, China established the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, and has cooperated with relevant UN agencies to use this fund for Pakistan’s reconstruction. China welcomes more project applications from UN agencies and the Pakistani side, he added.

In terms of climate governance, Luo said that China has been active, and announced the targets of achieving carbon peaking before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060. As the host country, China has made great contributions to the outcomes of COP15. The international community, especially developed countries, has a special obligation to help developing countries like Pakistan overcome disasters caused by extreme climate. Developed countries have yet to deliver on their promise of mobilizing $100 billion per year for climate action in developing countries and to offer a roadmap for doubling adaptation finance. Global climate governance remains an uphill task, he said.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attended the conference and proposed the 4RF, which outlines the implementation strategy for the post-disaster restoration and reconstruction of Pakistan, with a highlight on climate resilience and inclusiveness. Representatives from over 40 countries and international financial institutions attended the conference and pledged to donate $10 billion in total for Pakistan’s reconstruction.