Shamakhi: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, participated in a Heads of Delegations Retreat in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan, as part of the preparatory steps for the upcoming COP31, scheduled for November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye. The Retreat served as a platform for nations to discuss and align on the priorities and agenda for the forthcoming climate conference.

According to Press Information Department, Dr. Malik engaged in bilateral meetings with Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev, Türkiye’s Deputy Minister for Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Fatma Varank, and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Deborah M. Barasa. Discussions centered around climate diplomacy, environmental cooperation, and wildlife management.

In talks with the Kenyan delegation, Dr. Malik explored revitalizing the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board by drawing from the Nairobi National Park model. Both parties expressed intent to formalize cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance wildlife and protected-area management.

Discussions with Azerbaijan focused on the future agenda of COP31 and climate diplomacy, with both sides committing to mutual support and collaboration on global climate issues. Dr. Malik conveyed regards from Pakistan’s Prime Minister to Azerbaijani leadership, with reciprocation from the Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister.

Further dialogue with Türkiye’s Fatma Varank emphasized bilateral cooperation on advancing climate action, reinforcing Pakistan’s dedication to international climate diplomacy.