ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman Pakistan is on the frontline of a global climate emergency and people are struggling with extreme temperatures.
Addressing the audience hosted by Sweden’s Embassy, she stated that the climate issue is the only platform of equity where the world has almost consensus to save their generations from the worst effects of climate change.
Explaining the effects of climate change in Pakistan, she said Pakistan is under-resourced in terms of expertise and climate funds to create a nationwide, coherent, coordinated, and ongoing sustained response to a crisis brewing for years. She mentioned the recent fire eruption at Margalla hills of Islamabad and in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The minister took a detailed tour of the company’s stall and appreciated the strong Swedish business presence in Pakistan. An exhibition featured Sweden’s climate strategy and what Sweden has to offer as a nation of innovation and knowledge, with examples of innovative companies driving the change.
The minister for climate change said Pakistan and Sweden need to do a trade-in green diplomacy and combat the climate change effects by learning from Sweden. Every society has talent and qualities to table and create new momentum for change.
She appreciated the embassy for taking the initiative of the green environment and urged to enhance bilateral cooperation to combat this climate issue.
Ambassador of Sweden to Pakistan Henrik Persson said that Sweden’s green industrial revolution is underway and on track to become the world’s first fossil-free welfare state, reaching zero emissions by 2045.
He said the celebration of Sweden Day with the theme of’ Pioneer the Possible’ with focus on Sweden’s journey towards becoming the world’s first fossil-free welfare state.
He added that several prominent Swedish companies showcased technologies and solutions developed by them as they led innovation and sustainable transformation and shared their experiences of contributing to the green transition in Sweden.
Swedish Institute has developed the exhibition in cooperation with Fossil Free Sweden, Environmental Protection Agency, and Business Sweden. Live performance by Natasha Humera Ejaz featured popular Swedish songs sung by ABBA, Zara Larsson, Roxette, Avicii, Molly Sandén, and Ace of Bace.
Over 300 partners of Sweden attended the reception, representing different spheres of the society, including the business community, multilateral agencies, high-level government officials, civil society, Swedish alumni, and media.
