Islamabad: Speakers at a pre-COP31 dialogue have urged Pakistan to move from climate commitments to concrete implementation to protect its food and water security, stressing stronger partnerships, improved water management and investment in resilient agriculture.<\/p>\n
The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), in collaboration with Secours Islamique France (SIF)-Pakistan, organised the dialogue titled \u201cFood\u2013Water\u2013Climate Nexus: Global Priorities for Resilience, Partnerships and Collective Action.\u201d The event brought together government representatives, diplomats, development partners, UN agencies and technical experts to discuss Pakistan\u2019s priorities ahead of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Antalya, T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, who was the chief guest, said sustainable water management, investment in farmers and stronger partnerships were essential, reiterating that \u201cfood security is national security.\u201d<\/p>\n
He called for investment-ready initiatives, including climate-resilient seeds, improved livestock breeds, efficient irrigation, accessible finance and crop insurance for smallholders and women farmers. The minister said recommendations emerging from the dialogue should contribute to shaping Pakistan\u2019s priorities for COP31.<\/p>\n
In her keynote address, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Romina Khurshid Alam underlined the importance of clearly defined national priorities in climate negotiations and effective implementation of commitments. She highlighted climate finance, adaptation and international cooperation, while calling for stronger federal-provincial coordination and greater focus on vulnerable communities.<\/p>\n
IRS President Ambassador Jauhar Saleem recalled his experience in international climate diplomacy, including participation in the 1992 Rio Earth Summit and his service as Pakistan\u2019s representative to the UNFCCC and Permanent Representative to FAO, IFAD and WFP.<\/p>\n
He said food security, water scarcity and climate change were closely linked and required comprehensive policies, effective implementation at the grassroots level and greater emphasis on resilience, adaptation, mitigation and climate finance.<\/p>\n
SIF-Pakistan Head of Mission Dr Altaf Abro said humanitarian and development organisations had an important role in translating climate policies into practical support for vulnerable communities. He stressed local partnerships, technical expertise and field experience to improve preparedness, community capacities and climate-resilient livelihoods.<\/p>\n
Dr Abro also called for accessible climate finance, greater investment in people and stronger partnerships.<\/p>\n
Deputy Country Director of the UN World Food Programme in Pakistan Thomas Conan drew attention to the impact of climate shocks on food insecurity, child malnutrition and stunting. He stressed the need to link emergency assistance with long-term food security, nutrition and resilience programmes, along with stronger social protection and investment in human development.<\/p>\n
Executive Director of the Global Climate-Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC) Muhammad Arif Goheer highlighted agricultural risks arising from floods, droughts and changing climate conditions. He called for stronger preparedness and climate-resilient agricultural systems supported by scientific evidence and reliable climate information.<\/p>\n
He also emphasised the need for evidence-based national priorities in Pakistan\u2019s international climate engagement.<\/p>\n
Water resources expert Ahmed Kamal said water security, effective governance and climate-smart irrigation must be prioritised. He called for the integration of flood and drought risks into agricultural investment and land-use planning, improved institutional coordination and stronger early-warning systems.<\/p>\n
Mr Kamal also pointed to opportunities for using floodwater for groundwater recharge, soil replenishment and local storage.<\/p>\n
The dialogue also discussed prospects for international cooperation through the Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation (FAST) Partnership and T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s Turquoise Nexus Initiative. Participants identified these as possible platforms for sustainable agri-food systems, institutional capacity-building and access to technical and financial support.<\/p>\n
Concluding the session, Head of IRS\u2019s Climate Resilience Program Dr Anjum Rasheed said 94 per cent of Pakistan\u2019s freshwater withdrawals were used by agriculture, highlighting the urgent need to improve water-use efficiency.<\/p>\n
She said water conservation, better irrigation and sustainable management were vital for food security. Dr Rasheed urged Pakistan to approach COP31 with clear priorities and stronger partnerships, moving beyond highlighting vulnerabilities and towards demonstrating concrete climate action.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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