Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah is set to represent Pakistan at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 16, 2024. At the summit, he will spotlight Sindh’s proactive measures for climate adaptation, underscoring the region’s commitment to global climate action. COP29, the UN’s flagship climate summit, is a crucial global forum focused this year on establishing new climate finance targets, intensifying efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and securing resources to boost climate resilience worldwide. A pivotal moment in CM Shah’s agenda will be his keynote address on the Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) initiative, the world’s largest climate-resilient housing project.
This ambitious endeavor by the Sindh government is constructing 2.1 million homes for families displaced by the catastrophic 2022 floods, setting a global precedent in adaptive reconstruction. The initiative, aimed at supporting over 15 million individuals, highlights Sindh’s leadership in climate resilience. CM Shah’s schedule at COP29 includes bilateral meetings with international donors and officials to reinforce collaboration on climate goals. Additionally, he will join UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden in a high-level session to integrate children’s needs into Pakistan’s climate strategy. Another key event will focus on the Delta Blue Carbon Project, an initiative to protect the Indus Delta’s mangrove forests, vital for biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Running from November 11 to 22, 2024, COP29 in Baku provides a critical opportunity for leaders to accelerate global efforts for a sustainable and resilient future.
