Islamabad, 26 October 2026(Ghufran): Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Senator Dr. Musadik Malik has called for enhanced international collaboration on glacier protection, scientific research, climate innovation and equitable financing to address the growing impacts of climate change.
He made these remarks at a Pre-COP31 Dialogue titled “From Paris to Antalya: Building Bridges Between the Arctic and the Hindu Kush-Karakoram-Himalaya Region,” held at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI).
Emphasising the severe consequences of glacier retreat for vulnerable communities, Dr. Malik highlighted disparities in the distribution of climate finance, noting that funding remained disproportionately concentrated in major emitting economies. He proposed establishing a Green Virtual University to facilitate international scientific collaboration, dedicated financing mechanisms for green technology start-ups, and a Green Cloud to improve access to publicly funded research. He urged the international community to translate climate commitments into tangible action and practical cooperation.
In his welcome remarks, ISSI Director General Ambassador Moin ul Haque underscored the implications of glacier loss for Pakistan’s water, food and energy security. He called for closer institutional cooperation between the Arctic and Hindu Kush-Karakoram-Himalaya (HKH) regions and greater international recognition of the risks associated with changes in the cryosphere.
Chief Executive of CSCCC Ms. Aisha Khan stressed the need for a stronger international framework for cryosphere protection. France’s Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Jean-Charles Allard, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to climate cooperation and scientific research, while Türkiye’s Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Berk Ece, highlighted COP31’s emphasis on implementation, climate finance and the transition to clean energy. Mr. Umer Siddique, Director General (UN) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called for accessible adaptation finance, stronger loss and damage support, and improved transboundary data sharing.
The panel discussion brought together Ambassador Shafqat Kakakhel, Chair of the CSCCC Board of Directors; Mr. Purushottam Dhungel, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Nepal; Mr. Amir Khan Goraya, CEO of the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF); Dr. Faisal Mueen Qamer of ICIMOD; and Dr. Pascal Emmanuel Egli of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
The panellists examined opportunities to strengthen regional cooperation, improve glacier monitoring and early warning systems, enhance disaster preparedness, and build community resilience against climate-related hazards.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the ISSI Board of Governors, stressed the importance of integrating climate resilience into national development planning, strengthening domestic institutions and translating scientific findings into effective policies.
The dialogue was jointly organised by ISSI, CSCCC and the Embassy of France, bringing together diplomats, policymakers, researchers and climate experts to advance practical solutions and strengthen international partnerships ahead of COP31.