Delegations from Pakistan and India have stressed the need to work together to address challenges to climate change to achieve food and energy security, sustainable livelihoods, conservation of biodiversity, enhanced water use efficiency, promotion of low carbon sustainable development and building resilient communities and networks.
Deliberating on water, energy, adaptation, gender equity and livelihoods, the climate stakeholders from Pak-India adopted a resolution on the concluding day of ‘Track-II Dialogue on (Climate) Change for peace’ which was jointly organised by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Heinrich Boll Stiftung (HBS) on Wednesday.
They said energy needs of both the countries were growing to bring sizeable population out of poverty and achieve economic growth. Both countries need to work together to ensure universal access to sustainable and affordable energy, including through the optimisation of renewable energy potential in the region, measures to promote green energy, and establishment of South Asian Energy Grid.
Stressing upon the need of best available scientific and local knowledge, they said governments, academic institutions, and civil society organisations need to work together to prepare compendium of best policy frameworks/practices.
Deliberating on education, they underlined on mutual learning and sharing of experience and knowledge between the government agencies, civil society organisations, academic and research institutions, and other stakeholders through building of networks and establishment of exchange programmes of experts, researchers and journalists.
Highlighting importance of gender equality, they said women must be involved at all the decision-making levels and processes in order to incorporate their perspectives and address their specific needs and vulnerabilities. Furthermore, networks of expatriate South Asians can provide invaluable support in the form of financing, knowledge sharing and access to information and technology which should be materialised.
The resolution further underlines on adaptation strategies which must be designed keeping in view the shared ecosystems in the region such as mountains, glaciers, rivers and monsoon systems as well as the common interests of countries including prevention of conflict. The resolution puts emphasis on the relevant decisions adopted by SAARC summits on climate change, especially those pertaining to food security and disaster risk reduction, and seeks their implementation through enhanced cooperation and removal of impediments.
The resolution also recommends SAARC to carry out a feasibility study on the establishment of a green climate fund for South Asia besides establishment of a ‘Climate Policy Coordination Group’ between policy-makers of two countries to harmonise positions at international fora.
