PM Shehbaz to attend ECO summit in Baku from July 3-4
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: PID/ File
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the two-day 17th Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, beginning today (Thursday).
The summit, scheduled for July 3–4 under the theme “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future”, will bring together leaders from member states to discuss key regional challenges, economic integration, and climate resilience.
During the two-day event, the prime minister will lead the Pakistani delegation and present Islamabad’s perspective on pressing regional and global issues.
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Curtain Raiser: Prime Minister to Attend 17th ECO Summit in Baku Azerbaijan https://t.co/GFJfmV2JL6
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/TPTIqUpV4YHe is also expected to reiterate Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO Vision 2025 and advocate for greater intra-regional trade, enhanced connectivity in transport and energy sectors, and sustainable development.
The ECO traces its origins to the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD), which was established in 1964 and later expanded into ECO in 1985. It now comprises 10 member states from South and Central Asia as well as the Middle East.
On the sidelines of the summit, PM Shehbaz will hold bilateral meetings with ECO leaders to discuss matters of mutual interest, with a focus on economic cooperation, climate challenges, and regional peace.
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Pakistan has consistently raised its voice on the global climate crisis, highlighting its position as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, despite contributing less than one percent to global carbon emissions.
Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and the accelerated melting of glaciers have exposed the country to recurring natural disasters, threatening food security, public health, and the national economy.
The devastating floods of 2022 served as a grim reminder of Pakistan’s climate vulnerability. The disaster affected more than 33 million people, claimed over 1,700 lives, and displaced more than eight million. The flooding caused widespread destruction of infrastructure and crops, inflicting an estimated $14.8 billion in damage and $15.2 billion in economic losses.
The humanitarian impact was severe, with many survivors forced to live in temporary shelters amid limited access to basic services. The prime minister is expected to raise the issue of climate justice during his address, calling for stronger regional cooperation and international support for mitigation and adaptation efforts.