Karachi, October 26, 2023 – The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has revealed details about the Pakistan Climate Conference (PCC) 2023, scheduled to take place on November 1, 2023.
This marks the second consecutive year that the OICCI is organizing a multi-stakeholder dialogue aimed at proposing collective solutions for Pakistan’s climate emergency.
The Pakistan Climate Conference brings together national and international experts to identify and implement efforts required to promote positive climate actions and reduce the impact of climate change in Pakistan. It also aims to address the mitigation efforts necessary to prevent the recurrence of natural disasters, such as the devastating floods of 2022, which impacted millions of people in the country.
The PCC 2023 will serve as a platform for global climate experts, policymakers, and corporate decision-makers to share their knowledge and best practices, which will assist Pakistan in developing the necessary policies and climate interventions.
Amir Paracha, President of OICCI, emphasized the urgency of addressing climate risks in Pakistan. He stated, “In 2022, Pakistan suffered a devastating loss exceeding $30 billion due to catastrophic floods. The ongoing threat of climate and environmental change poses a dire threat, potentially reducing Pakistan’s GDP by 18-20% by 2050. These stark numbers underscore the urgent need for a proactive approach to develop a national effort to mitigate climate change.”
Rehan Shaikh, Vice President of OICCI, added, “Pakistan has a considerable amount of work ahead of it to live up to its ambitious Nationally Determined Commitments (NDCs). The Pakistan Climate Conference is strategically designed to kickstart dialogues on several critical fronts, paving the way for sound policy directions and the implementation of best practices that can help accelerate the country’s journey toward a climate-positive future.”
Andrew Bailey, a Managing Committee member of OICCI, highlighted that this year’s conference would build upon insights from PCC 2022 and COP 27, with a focus on identifying the necessary actions to mitigate climate risks in Pakistan, in alignment with the agenda of COP 28.
OICCI member companies have actively worked towards climate action in Pakistan, having contributed Rs1.2 billion in 2022 alone.
Abdul Aleem, Secretary General of OICCI, stressed the importance of addressing climate issues as a collective national effort. He acknowledged the significance of public-private collaborations and coalitions in accomplishing these objectives, emphasizing that unity has the potential to harness strengths, knowledge, and assets to forge a robust and enduring future for Pakistan.
The PCC 2023 is expected to be a critical event in furthering the discussion and action on climate-related issues, providing a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and work towards a more climate-resilient Pakistan.
