UNITED NATIONS: Top UN officials pledged support for Pakistan as it continues painstaking process of rebuilding in wake of last year’s devastating floods.

They underscored need to slash carbon emissions and bolster early warning systems to safeguard nations across world which are becoming increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather.

Speaking at UN Headquarters, in New York, Secretary General António Guterres said how world responds now to Pakistan’s struggles is “Litmus test” for climate justice.  “Pakistan needs and deserves massive support from international community,” he said.

Despite contributing less than one percent of global emissions, Pakistan’s people face staggering 15 times higher risk of dying from climate-related impacts.

“Pakistan is double victim of climate chaos and of our outdated and unjust global financial system that prevents middle-income countries from accessing much needed resources to invest in adaptation and resilience,” he stressed.

Triggered by torrential monsoon rains, floods submerged one third of Pakistan, claimed over 1,700 lives, destroyed two million homes, critical infrastructure and affected 33 million people half of them children.

Even today, response continues as UN and partners assist people in flood-ravaged areas, after further punishing rains fell this summer and Pakistan’s economy struggles to recover. Agencies such as UN Development Programmer are also helping people rebuild livelihoods.

Dennis Francis President of General Assembly urged member States and broader UN system to maintain their steadfast support for recovery and reconstruction endeavours.

“I urge Member States and stakeholders to step forward and fill funding gaps needed to mobilise resources,” he said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 29 2023

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