Distinguished Leaders,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is both an honor and a pressing necessity for us to gather here today under the guidance of the United Nations, to discuss the vital role of early warning systems and the increasing risks posed by extreme heat. We stand united in our commitment to safeguard lives, protect communities, and ensure that no person is left unprotected from the unpredictable and severe impacts of climate change.

Over the last decade, Pakistan has consistently ranked among the top 10 most climate-impacted countries. The devastating floods of 2022 were a harsh reminder of our vulnerability, inflicting a catastrophic loss of over USD 30 billion and affecting 33 million people. Homes, livelihoods, and essential infrastructure were swept away. Had we had a comprehensive early warning system in place, much of this tragedy could have been mitigated, enabling us to respond proactively and avoid such immense suffering.

Today, the threat is not limited to floods. We are facing rising temperatures, more intense and frequent heatwaves, and erratic rainfall patterns. Early warning systems for various climate-induced hazards, including floods, glacial lake outbursts, droughts, and extreme heat, are essential for resilience—not just for Pakistan but for all vulnerable nations worldwide.

I extend my sincere gratitude to Secretary-General António Guterres for his visionary leadership in launching the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, which aims to protect every person on Earth with an early warning system by 2027. The recent Call to Action on Extreme Heat emphasizes the need for multi-hazard early warning systems, which are critical to saving lives and supporting sustainable development in the face of climate adversity.

I would also like to recognize the efforts of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Their leadership in implementing EW4All and addressing extreme heat has been indispensable in driving forward initiatives that protect he most vulnerable among us.

Despite our limited resources, Pakistan is committed to climate action and has set ambitious goals. Our pledge to reduce projected greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 comprises a 15% reduction through national efforts and an additional 35% contingent on international support. Our initiatives include the Green Pakistan Project, an Electric Vehicle Policy, a large-scale mangrove rehabilitation project, and BRT mass transit systems across major cities. These efforts aim to fulfill our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and to balance our global mitigation role with local adaptation needs.

However, we must acknowledge that national efforts alone are insufficient. Accessible climate finance is indispensable for countries like Pakistan to meet these targets. We urgently call on developed nations to honor their USD 100 billion climate finance pledge and establish a New Collective Quantified Goal that reflects today’s needs, with funding reaching into the trillions. We believe this funding must be accessible, grant-based, and reflective of the historical responsibilities of industrialized nations.

The burden of adaptation cannot rest solely on developing countries. While Pakistan stands ready to do its part, we look to the international community for support—particularly in accessing climate finance for early warning systems and climate resilience projects.

We need mechanisms that ensure easy, direct access to funds that can bolster national programs rather than piloting isolated projects. Pakistan is committed to being part of the solution to our shared climate crisis. With strong partnerships through initiatives like EW4All and support from our global allies, we can bridge the early warning gap, enhance resilience, and build a safer, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Let us ensure that today's discussions and commitments translate into tangible actions, bringing us closer to achieving universal early warnings, as well as decisive and equitable climate action.

Thank you.