Zubair Qureshi Islamabad
The United Nations Environment Programme’s Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC) and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination of Pakistan in a momentous collaboration have ushered in a new era of climate action with the official launch of the Supporting Preparedness for Article 6 Cooperation (SPAR6C) programme in Pakistan.
The initiative kicked off with an enlightening workshop that brought together national stakeholders and international donor agencies, laying the foundation for Pakistan’s journey towards embracing carbon finance and sustainable development under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
The formal launch workshop, which took place Tuesday at Serena Hotel, served as the ideal platform for presenting SPAR6C’s objectives and work plan to a diverse audience of stakeholders. The participants included federal ministries, provincial officials, private businesses, financial institutions, and academic institutions, collectively uniting for a common cause – a more sustainable and climate-resilient Pakistan.
While taking part in the discussion, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative Amir Goraya agreed a multi-pronged strategy would yield results with regard to offering incentives to various Chambers of Commerce of Industry for carbon trading in Pakistan. This is the time we should move forward practically for mitigation and adaptation strategies for climate change, he said.
Danish Ambassador Jakob Linulf shared his vision for Pakistan, stating, “Carbon markets offer a unique opportunity for Pakistan to not only combat climate change but also to spur sustainable economic growth. By actively participating in carbon trading under Article 6, Pakistan can leverage its resources and expertise to make a positive global impact.”
He viewed the launch of the SPAR6C Programme a milestone that will set a direction for Pakistan’s long-term strategy to tackle climate challenges. “Pakistan needs to do homework and remain consistent in its policies as we have seen in the past a shift in policies with the change of regime,” he said.
He also emphasized the need for training and conducive environment and held that much is needed to be done to improve the overall investment climate.
A delegation of the Danish Energy Agency (DEA) led by Carl-Christian Munk-Nielsen and comprising Special Adviser DEA, Nadeem Nawaz and Marie Bredkjaer Thomsen was also attending the ceremony.
