Victory at COP 27

Victory at COP 27

 Following the recent attempt to assassinate Imran Khan, everyone's attention will be focused on his political progress and the security situation going forward. Regardless of one's opinion of him, Imran Khan is unquestionably one of Pakistan's greatest achievers and an inspiration to people all over the world.

The country would suffer greatly if Imran were to disappear. We are aware that he is willing to take risks, but let's hope that he will take greater safety measures for himself and the nation. We must not lose sight of Pakistan's victories in the midst of chaos, even though political disputes, the declining economy, and the upcoming elections continue to receive a lot of attention. The national cricket team surprised everyone by qualifying for the T20 World Cup final a few weeks ago after playing some thrilling cricket in Australia. Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on the weekend of November 20 provided the subsequent significant victory. A ground-breaking agreement on climate finance for vulnerable nations was reached at COP27. Without Pakistan, led by Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman, the Loss and Damage Fund would not have been possible.

Unprecedented rainfall in August submerged a third of Pakistan. The floods' devastation cost $30 billion in damage and economic losses. Sherry Rehman and her team devised a thoughtful plan rather than making trite appeals to the world community. The Ministry of Climate Change was extremely proactive from the beginning. It engaged powerful power players precisely when they were needed. The visit of UN Chief Antonio Guterres to Pakistan marked a significant turning point because it brought to light the world's devastation. We witnessed charity drives and flood relief efforts for Pakistan all over the world.

In a brilliant piece for "The Guardian," Sherry Rehman emphasized the damage caused by Pakistan's floods. She provided some shocking statistics, such as Pakistan's estimated loss of 9.1% of its GDP due to the effects of climate stress. She went on to say: Compared to the club of climate-vulnerable nations, which includes Pakistan, which emits less than one percent of greenhouse gases but ends up paying over the odds in human, social, and economic costs for the carbon profligacy of others, the G20 alone accounts for 75% of global emissions.

Sherry Rehman made her case not only for Pakistan but also for other developing nations, arguing that these nations were also at risk due to their low readiness and high climate vulnerability. Before the COP27 summit, Rehman and her team were in constant contact with other nations. At the conference, they made a concerted effort to strengthen their position by uniting as a bloc. During the summit, their robust arguments and preparation came to the forefront.

The climate minister of Pakistan got right to work: We are on the front lines, so we intend to keep loss, damage, and how to deal with climate disasters at the center of our arguments and negotiations. That is the only thing that will change. Pakistan remained steadfast in their narrative. They brought determination to the negotiations and succeeded in uniting developing nations regarding loss and damage. They were met with strong opposition from wealthy nations that attempted to divide them; however, Pakistan and its partners remained steadfast. The same message was reiterated by Nabeel Munir, an experienced diplomat, and other experienced negotiators: The cause of loss and damage is climate justice, not charity.

Pakistan's powerful and skillful strategy prevailed. Pakistan's G77 held firm and ensured that the loss and damage fund would begin operating in 2023. At COP 26, this fund was nothing more than a pipe dream. War on Want's executive director, Asad Rehman, believes that "we wouldn't have the outcome" without Pakistan's leadership. Pakistan received more acclaim. Climate Action Network's global political director, Harjeet Singh, says: Pakistan took the initiative. However, civil society pressure empowered the conference room negotiators to fight harder.

It is a huge accomplishment that the G77 were able to resist powerful nations' attempts to divide them. Pakistan should be very proud of themselves for successfully gaining support from all directions. Sherry Rehman has demonstrated that breakthroughs and milestones can be achieved even in the most difficult circumstances. She ensured that the agenda for climate finance at COP27 must include responsibilities for damage and loss. The climate change narrative has received a significant boost as a result of her efforts over the past few months. Policy is now the result of discussions and negotiations. This is a first-of-its-kind victory.

Sherry Rehman was actively involved in FAO's "The Living Indus" climate change initiative prior to the floods. She has effectively promoted climate change initiatives to ensure that they become an important part of Pakistan's national conversation. Through leadership that is smart and resilient, there is room for improvisation and the creation of milestones even during trying times. That is what Sherry Rehman has demonstrated. Bravo.