Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan organized a crucial seminar at the National University of Technology (NUTECH) in Islamabad, focusing on Climate and Disaster Risk Financing. This event gathered a diverse group of experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss strategies to enhance Pakistan’s resilience to climate-induced disasters and other emergencies.

According to National Disaster Management Authority, the seminar delved into Pakistan’s risk financing mechanisms and the financial preparedness needed to tackle the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters. The panel included prominent figures such as Lt Gen Imam Haider Malik, Chairman of NDMA; Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, PM Coordinator on Climate Change; and representatives from UNDP, SDPI, and ADB, among others.

Chairman NDMA, Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, underscored the necessity of developing Pakistan-specific strategies that utilize local materials and skills for efficient post-disaster reconstruction and robust anticipatory actions. He also emphasized on integrating global best practices to strengthen disaster response frameworks.

The seminar also aimed to elevate Pakistan’s narrative on a global scale, particularly in preparation for the upcoming COP 29 in Azerbaijan in November 2024. Discussions covered the development of knowledge products to enhance advocacy for mainstreaming climate and disaster risk finance into national planning and development agendas.

The event saw participation from a broad spectrum of stakeholders including government officials, ambassadors, UN agency representatives, and members from humanitarian and academic circles, reflecting a collective commitment to bolstering disaster risk reduction and resilience as vital components of sustainable development.