ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif constituted high-level committee to review climate change governance and mechanisms to access climate funds. 

According to details, PM Shehbaz constituted committee and nominated Climate Change Minister, Romina Khursheed Alam and Executive Director, Sustainable Development Policy Institute, Dr Abid Suleri as its member alongwith other senior members. Minister of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination issued detailed notification explaining context, mandate and terms of reference and list of members of Committee. Committee will be chaired by Deputy Chairman Planning Commission that comprised of government officials, parliamentarians, representatives from civil society and environment NGOs, private sector, research institutes and expert/advisors with knowledge on specific topics.

Members are Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Muhammad Jehanzeb Khan (chair), Coordinator to PM on Climate Change Roinina Khurshid Alam, Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, MNA Bilal Kiyani, Executive Director SDPI Dr Abid Suleri, Kashmala Kakakhel Climate Finance Expert, Rizwan Mehboob Climate Expert, Ali Tauqir Sheikh Climate Expert, Ahsan Kamran Climate Finance Expert, Nadia Rehman, member CC PC, (Secretary of the Committee), Secretary Ministry of Commerce, Secretary MoPDSI and Secretary Ministry of EA and Additional Secretary Ministry of Finance.

Committee will suggest approach that involves mainstreaming climate considerations across all government organisations and operations, as well as integrating them into development agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.  It includes evaluating effectiveness of existing and proposed institutional mechanisms such as National Climate Change Council, SIFC, proposed Climate Change Authority, Climate Change Fund, National Disaster Risk Management Fund, and coordination with key ministries. Committee will make recommendations to strengthen climate governance, access climate and carbon finance and mobilise private sector to drive decarbonisation of industry, integrate into green value chains and boost exports in alignment with evolving international regulatory mechanisms such as carbon border adjustments. Additionally, role of media, academia and research entities in policy advocacy and formulation should be articulated.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 08 2024

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