Naureen Fatima
Established during the Conference of Parties (COP-27) in Egypt in 2022, the Loss and Damage Fund represents a pivotal advancement in addressing the financial challenges faced by nations, that are vulnerable to climate change; the biggest externality of the 21st century. This fund, specifically designed to support countries that are struggling with irreversible climate change impacts, acknowledges disproportionate effects on developing countries like Pakistan (among the top 10 vulnerable countries to climate change). Celebrated as a significant milestone in climate justice, its establishment came after years of advocacy by these third world nations. At the recent 3rd meeting of the Board of Fund for responding to loss and damage, held in Baku, Azerbaijan from September 18-20, 2024, the fund reached a historic milestone by setting the stage for the fund’s first disbursements in 2025. This milestone includes converting nearly $800 million in pledges into actionable support advancing its operationalization, electing the Fund’s Executive Director, and finalizing arrangements with the World Bank to manage funds effectively. These developments underscore the fund’s essential role in enhancing the global climate resilience.
As the chair of Group of 77 (G77) under the United Nations (U.N) at COP-27, Pakistan played a dynamic role in the creation of the Loss and Damage Fund; responding to its acute vulnerability to climate change. In 2022, catastrophic floods affected approximately 33 million people, including 8.2 million women of reproductive age, submerging a third of the nation and highlighting the urgent need for such a fund. The proactive stance of Pakistan in advocating for the Loss & Damage Fund reflects the critical need for resources to tackle extensive losses and damages from frequent climate-led disasters across the country. The operationalization of this fund is crucial for bolstering Pakistan’s climate resilience and protecting its most vulnerable groups, particularly women & girls and other marginalized populations in rural and underdeveloped areas; where the impacts of climate change are the most pronounced.
Despite the urgency, the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination (MoCC & EC) in Pakistan currently lacks the required institutional mechanisms to effectively access and manage the Loss and Damage Fund established at COP-27. This gap hinders the country’s ability to deploy these funds for projects that are aimed at managing climate-induced damages particularly those affecting vulnerable populations including women. To effectively address this challenge, Pakistan needs to establish a dedicated task force within the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination. This task force, comprising of experts in the fields of climate finance, adaptation, mitigation, policy development, and gender-responsive actions should also include representatives from the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (MNH SR &C), and the Ministry of National Food Security & Research (MNFS & R). This holistic approach will facilitate the development of a strategic plan, that clearly defines eligibility criteria for fund access, streamlines application procedures, and establishes robust project monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure effective utilization of funds.
Furthermore, forging partnerships with International Organizations (INGOs) will be instrumental in enabling Pakistan to leverage global expertise and resources to ensure effective and transparent utilization of the fund. By implementing these measures, Pakistan will not only secure the necessary financial resources but also significantly bolster its ability to build inclusive climate resilient communities.
As Pakistan strides toward climate resilience and gender equity, the effective operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund is more than a policy initiative. Indeed, it’s a vital step in the global climate dialogue, which is crucial for addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations, especially women and girls. Strengthening institutional frameworks, such as establishing a dedicated task force within the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination will ensure strategic fund deployment and the development of policies that foster long term climate resilience and inclusivity in the country. Moreover, the proactive participation of Pakistan in the COP-29, advocating for the swift operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, showcases its commitment to global climate actions. This advocacy is crucial as it sets a precedent for other nations to follow by promoting a collaborative approach to solve one of the most pressing issues of our time. Integrating immediate relief with sustainable development strategies will not only enhance Pakistan’s climate mitigation efforts but also advance toward a more sustainable future. This comprehensive approach underscores Pakistan’s strong commitment to climate action and gender justice on the global stage, setting an example for other nations.
The writer is a Technical Expert-Gender & Climate Change at the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW)
