Punjab offered help to access carbon finance

Global Green Growth Institute to assist govt in credit programmes

LAHORE:

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) has agreed to collaborate with the Punjab government for environmental sustainability and to help Pakistan enhance its capacity in global carbon markets.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met GGGI Director General Sang-Hyup Kim at the COP30 Conference being held in Belem, Brazil.

The GGGI director general said the organisation would assist Punjab in accessing international carbon finance opportunities and developing provincial-level carbon credit programmes.

According to a statement, Kim Sang-Hyup commended the chief minister for her leadership in addressing historic flood challenges, executing large-scale rescue and relief operations and advocating for climate justice at the global stage. "We are eager to work with you in achieving shared goals of green growth and sustainability."

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz thanked the GGGI for its support and appreciated its contributions for global climate resilience. She noted, "Your expertise and collaboration are vital for advancing our environmental vision." She added, "Together, we can make Punjab a model of sustainable, climate-smart development."

She apprised the GGGI delegation of the Punjab government's recent initiatives aimed at environmental improvement, including 'Suthra' Punjab, smog mitigation projects, e-mobility and Plant for Pakistan campaign.

She highlighted that with GGGI's assistance, Punjab aims to transform these initiatives into green financing projects, leveraging international mechanisms for carbon credits and sustainable funding.

She underscored that key potential areas of cooperation include water and sanitation programmes, clean mobility, climate adaptation and pollution control.

She noted that the GGGI, established during a United Nations conference in 2012, is a leading international organisation promoting green growth and climate finance, particularly in developing nations.