Shamakhi, Azerbaijan (GNP): Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik met with Turkish Deputy Minister for Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Fatma Varank, who will also preside over the upcoming COP31, on the sidelines of the COP31 Heads of Delegations Retreat in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan.
The two officials discussed shared priorities ahead of COP31, which Türkiye is set to host later this year, agreeing to develop joint programs in the lead-up to the conference focused on electric vehicles, electrification, energy efficiency, and strengthening recycling industries in both countries.
Pakistan’s Climate Initiatives
Dr. Malik briefed the Turkish delegation on two programs currently being developed by his ministry: the “Green Field” initiative, designed to support young entrepreneurs working on climate-related solutions, and “Green University,” envisioned as a platform for international research collaboration and academic exchange focused on practical, commercially viable climate innovation.
Both sides agreed to formally announce further details on these initiatives at COP31 and to explore deeper cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye in these areas.
Dr. Malik also conveyed greetings from Pakistan’s prime minister to Türkiye’s president and first lady, acknowledging her active engagement on climate issues.
Both officials reaffirmed the importance of Pakistan-Türkiye collaboration in advancing practical and scalable climate solutions.
Also read: NDMA issues nationwide alert for widespread rainfall
Türkiye will host the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, building on previous climate summits to advance global efforts to address climate change. The gathering will also include the 21st Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol and the 8th Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement.
The conference is scheduled to run from November 9 to 20, 2026, at the Antalya EXPO Center in Soğucaksu, Antalya. The UNFCCC secretariat has also issued a general advisory to conference participants, warning of a rise in phishing attempts targeting delegates and urging caution with unsolicited emails requesting personal or financial information.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
