Baku: Pakistan’s lead climate negotiator, Arif Goheer, has highlighted the critical need for transforming agricultural systems to enhance resilience and ensure food security amid the growing challenges posed by climate change.

According to Press Information Department, Goheer, who is the Executive Director of the Global Climate Change Impact Studies Centre under the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, stressed the importance of sustainable farming practices and equitable access to climate-smart technologies during the COP29 global climate summit.

Goheer, speaking to the media in Baku, emphasized Pakistan’s push for increased adaptation financing, particularly for countries in the Global South. He noted that adaptation finance is essential for addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on developing nations, calling for scalable solutions to protect vulnerable communities. “Adaptation is our first line of defense against climate impacts,” Goheer stated, underscoring the necessity of equitable distribution of adaptation funds.

Highlighting the vital role of technology transfer, Goheer advocated for affordable and accessible climate-friendly innovations tailored to local contexts. He called for a just framework to ensure developing nations have access to necessary technologies, which he described as a crucial bridge to a sustainable future. In his remarks, Goheer also emphasized the need for capacity-building initiatives to help developing countries meet reporting requirements under the Paris Agreement, reinforcing the importance of transparency in fostering trust in global climate actions.

Goheer’s leadership has received widespread recognition, with negotiators praising his methodical, science-informed approach and commitment to climate justice. As COP29 continues, Goheer remains a vocal advocate for Pakistan’s position, ensuring that the concerns of vulnerable nations are heard in global climate discussions.