PM, Kerry discuss need to 'avoid' future climate tragedies

Shehbaz chairs virtual meeting with federal cabinet to discuss, review relief & rehabilitation activities in Pakistan

NEWYORK:

US Special Envoy for Climate Change John Kerry on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

During the meeting, both leaders discussed the adverse impacts of climate change and the disaster caused by climate change-induced floods in Pakistan.

.@CMShehbaz and I discussed Pakistan’s devastating floods, the $55 million in US humanitarian assistance thus far, and the urgent need to work together to fight the climate crisis and prevent future tragedies. My heart goes out to the affected communities and the Pakistani people pic.twitter.com/tLMX1xK1gm

— Special Presidential Envoy John Kerry (@ClimateEnvoy) September 21, 2022

They also discussed the "urgent need to work together to fight the climate crisis and prevent future tragedies".

The premier who is currently in New York to attend the UNGA session, also met multiple world leaders and raised the issue of the negative impacts of climate change in Pakistan despite its nominal carbon footprint.

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In a tweet on Wednesday, he stated, “In my interactions with the world leaders on the sidelines of UNGA session, I apprised them of the flood disaster and highlighted the need for a collective action to deal with climate change.”

He maintained that Pakistan is keen to build partnerships in the realms of trade and economy with the international community.

In my interactions with the world leaders on the sidelines of #UNGA Session, I apprised them of the flood disaster & highlighted the need for a collective action to deal with climate change. I also told them Pakistan is keen to build partnerships in the realms of trade & economy.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 21, 2022

While talking to a private television channel, PM Shehbaz asked the international community to turn their sentiments of solidarity for Pakistan’s flood survivors into action for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected areas.

The premier will also highlight the flood situation in Pakistan in his address to the 193-member assembly on September 23.

Amidst his back-to-back engagements, he also chaired a virtual meeting with the federal cabinet to discuss and review the relief and rehabilitation activities back in Pakistan and directed urgent arrangements to ensure the adequate supply of baby food for the flood-affected children.