New York: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari thanked G77 countries for their “generous support” in providing relief to Pakistan during catastrophic floods as he called on industrialised nations of world to compensate their developing counterparts for loss from damage caused by climate change.

He passed these remarks while chairing G77 Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Affairs on sidelines of 77th session of UNGA. At outset of his address, Bilawal said that these were challenging times for developing countries. “We have suffered disproportionately from a series of shocks: Covid-19 pandemic, rising commodity prices, proliferation of conflicts and growing impacts of climate change.

“Our challenges have been exacerbated by a deficit in solidarity from our developed country “partners”, he highlighted adding that as a consequence world now faced triple interlocking crises of food, fuel and finance.

“To overcome these cascading crises, restore our economies and achieve SDGs [sustainable development goals], we need to secure implementation of a series of emergency measures and simultaneously promote structural changes in unequal and unjust international economic system.” Bilawal then outlined emergency actions that could be taken to deal with situation.

“One, mobilize urgent humanitarian, economic and financial support to more than 50 developing countries which are in economic distress,” he said.

“Secondly, provide emergency food supplies through WFP to 250 million people in food distress further moderate prices by enlarging food production and supplies and support small farmers access to seeds, fertilizer and finance.” Third action pointed out by foreign minister talked about ensuring availability of energy, especially gas, for developing countries and exploring mechanisms to reduce financial burden of energy imports.

He talked about mobilising universal availability of Covid-19 vaccines and treatments and expanding vaccine production to end Covid endemic decisively.

“Five, provide urgent and adequate assistance to countries suffering from impacts of climate change.”

“Entire Pakistani nation, government, armed forces and common people has rallied to provide relief to their compatriots in need,” he said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 24 2022

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