FLASHNEWS:

Round Table Dialogue for the launch of OICCI’s whitepaper titled, “Synergizing the Climate Ambition”

Karachi, December 26, 2022 (PPI-OT):OICCI organized a round table to launch the whitepaper titled, “Synergizing the Climate Ambition: A Blueprint for Achieving NDCs through Private Sector Engagement in Pakistan”. This white paper incorporates the key learnings and insights from Pakistan Climate Conference 2022, organized by OICCI in Karachi on March 16, 2022. The conference brought together global climate experts, policy makers and corporate decision-makers including global CEOs.

Dr Shamshad Akhtar, Chairperson and Independent Director, Pakistan Stock Exchange, Waqar Hussain Phulpoto, Director, Sindh Environmental Protection Agency, Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, Climate Expert, Dr Hina Aslam, Hoffman Research Fellow, World Economic Forum (former Research Fellow at SDPI), and people from academia, social sector organization, media and corporate shared their valuable thoughts.

Dr Hina presenting key outcomes shared that this white paper showcases the best practices from the industry, highlights the commitment of OICCI members to promote positive climate actions accompanied by an outline for action to boost public-private investment in climate change adaptation and resilience.

Dr. Shamshad Akhtar while addressing the round table mentioned, “PSX launched ESG taskforce and interaction with all the corporates in Pakistan. ESG compliance is very important for attracting foreign direct investment and is a very attractive instrument to attract long term investment.”

“With ever-rising greenhouse gas concentrations and accumulated heat, the past eight years have been the warmest on record. Heatwaves, droughts, and floods have affected millions making it evident that climate change is a grave and mounting threat globally”, said Vice President OICCI and CEO Unilever Pakistan Amir Paracha during the report launch event. “Pakistan is the 5th most vulnerable country despite having less than 1% greenhouse gas emissions. Taking the right actions now can move us towards a fairer, more sustainable world by addressing climate change”, he added.

“Pakistan is at a crossroads, the decision it takes today will impact the sustainability of its future” commended M. Abdul Aleem, CE/Secretary General, OICCI, adding that, “a key outcome proposed by OICCI through this white paper is the recommendation to the Government to adopt three primary resolutions to mobilize climate action amongst stakeholders across the country – Set up a Climate Change and Corporate Implementation Task Force, establish a Steering Committee that reviews and gradually raises the bar for improving the Climate Related Disclosures thoughtfully and develop a Pakistan Climate Knowledge Sharing Initiative”.

Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, highlighted the importance of scope 4 emissions, which are related to climate smart investment – OICCI can play a vital role in steering the investment from its members and attracting new foreign direct investment. Waqar Hussain Phulpoto, shared the efforts of Sindh Government related to flood rehabilitation efforts. People from academia, social sector organizations and media also shared their thoughts on the importance of collaborations between all segments of society to work for promoting climate friendly behaviour and practices.

List of Participants:

Abdullah Arif Khan-Baitus Salam Trust, Abdul Sattar-Unilever, Afia Salam-SZABIST, Ahmed Malik-Business Recorder, Amanullah-APP, Anusha Fatima-Trashi It, Babar Aziz-Green Earth, Dr. Saud Hashmi-NED University, Dr. Fozia Perveen-AKUH, Fatima Arshad-Unilever (Moderator), Fatima Sultan-Climate Activist, Faraz Usmai-Bridge, Hussain Talib-Unilever, Kashif Hussain-Daily Express, Kazim Alam- Dawn, Khursheed Ahmed-Arab News, Madiha Javed-Bank Alfalah, Mariam Durrani-Pakistan Cablesc, Mariya Dada-Friesland Campina, Masood Ahmad-SZABIST, Rahat Hussain-Nestle, Rahul Rai-Trash It, Ramlah Tariq-Unilever, Rizwan-Sefrim Recycling, Sabeen Khalid- Total Parco, Salman Siddiqui-Express Tribune, Shahista Aisha-Seed Ventures, Shiza Aslam-KSBL, Uzair Zavary-Baitus Salam Trust, Zillay Mariam-ISP, Zohaib-Media Matters

For more information, contact:
Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI)
Chamber of Commerce Building, Talpur Road, P.O. Box 4833,
Karachi – 74000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-32410814-5
Fax: +92-21-32427315
Email: info@oicci.org
Website: http://oicci.org/