Aurangzeb calls for faster climate action, more project financing

Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday called for stronger efforts to turn climate commitments into practical projects, saying policy, financing and implementation capacity were essential to delivering results on the ground.

Speaking at the Climate Implementation Bridge (BRIDGE) event during the high-level week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Aurangzeb said Pakistan had made progress in strengthening its climate policy framework and was working to mobilize funding through domestic resources, international financial institutions, capital markets and climate funds.

He said, however, that institutional fragmentation and a shortage of projects that are financially viable and ready for investment continued to slow climate implementation.

Referring to the devastating 2022 floods, Aurangzeb said some international assistance pledged to Pakistan remained unused despite substantial commitments, highlighting the need for stronger project preparation and implementation capacity at the national level.

He urged BRIDGE partners to focus on practical “no-regret” decisions that could move the initiative beyond discussions and toward measurable action.

Aurangzeb said Pakistan remained focused on strengthening climate resilience, mobilizing resources for climate action and building international partnerships capable of delivering tangible benefits to communities.