Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday while showering praise on the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund at the UN climate summit in Egypt, declared that it was the “first pivotal step” towards the goal of getting climate justice, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

At COP27 held at Sharm el-Sheikh, the countries adopted a hard-fought final agreement at the COP27 climate summit early Sunday that sets up a fund to help poor countries being battered by climate disasters.

What is being dubbed as a victory for the poorer nations that have pushed for the move for years, the Fund would earmark money for loss and damage caused by climate change-induced disasters.

In a tweet, PM Shehbaz Sharif said “It is up to the transitional committee to build on the historic development. I appreciate (Minister for Climate Change) Sherry Rehman and her team for their contribution and hard work.”

https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1594202729802498048

Bilawal Bhutto

In his reaction, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto recalled that Pakistan had stressed on the climate justice at world fora because it was the most affected due to climate-induced disasters. But they fought for the whole world, he added.

Bilawal said there was need to lay focus on the children caught up in the flood devastation. “One-third of the 33 million people hit by the recent heavy floods were children,” he added.

Bilawal Bhutto dubbed the setting up of climate fund as a welcome development. “In monumental achievement for climate justice & G77 led by COP27 has successfully concluded with loss & damage as part of the agenda. including a fund & financial arrangements to address this issue. I congratulate FM Shoukry, President COP27P for hosting a historic COP.”

https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari/status/1594234493816152064

In a string of tweets, Bilawal said “Having experienced first hand the scale and devastation of Pakistan floods we travelled to the #UNGA to advocate for climate justice. When I chaired Group of 77 at the UN Pakistan’s proposal was unanimously adopted to demand loss and damage be part of COP77 agenda.”

https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari/status/1594234497293324288

He recalled “In Egypt, we were happy to report that Pakistan’s proposal as chair G77 to include language on loss and damage on the agenda had achieved consensus. Upon conclusion of negotiations we’ve sustained that consensus & also included necessary language on fund & financial arrangement.”

https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari/status/1594234501147742208

Bilawal further said “Spoke to @ClimateEnvoy Kerry both in & over the phone once negotiations went into overtime. Appreciated leadership on climate, requested support for G77+ demand on inclusion of financial arrangement to tackle loss & damage. Grateful we were able to reach a compromise.”

https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari/status/1594234504901980161

He said “Sincerest gratitude to all members of G-77 & China for their continued support & trust in our leadership. A special shout-out to Team Pakistan at #COP27. Team MOFA & Climate led by @sherryrehman under the able PMship of @CMShehbaz has delivered major win on world stage.”

https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari/status/1594234507963826177

Sherry Rehman

Following the agreement on the establishment of the Fund, Sherry Rehman said, “It has been a long 30-year journey from demand to formation of the Loss & Damage Fund for 134 countries” and called it an important first step in reaffirming the core principles of climate justice.

“This is not about accepting charity,” she said. “This is a down payment on investment in our futures, and in climate justice,” she remarked.

In multiple tweets, Sherry said “It’s been a long 30-year journey from demand to formation of the Loss & Damage Fund for 134 countries. We welcome today’s announcement and joint text hammered out thru many nights. It’s an important first step in reaffirming the core principles of climate justice.” 

https://twitter.com/sherryrehman/status/1594161450473631744

She further said “Deeply appreciate the long hours, commitment put in by our dedicated teams of group chairs, SIDS, AILAC, LDCs, LMDCs, AIOSIS, our Amb Nabeel + teams for G 77 + China, civil society champions for holding the line and delivering the unity needed at such a pivotal moment in history.”

https://twitter.com/sherryrehman/status/1594162899638923265

The climate minister maintained “The announcement offers hope to vulnerable communities all over the world who are fighting for their survival from climate stress. And gives some credibility to the COP process. Now it’s up to transitional committee to move it forward by December 2023 as decided.”

https://twitter.com/sherryrehman/status/1594162508893675522

She said “Stuff goes on until the last minute, no matter what hour, always. Will always remember who hung on until the last minute,who said keep going when all seemed lost, and who gave the steadiest advice. Not to mention who brought coffee.” 

https://twitter.com/sherryrehman/status/1594160830848827392

She also thanks Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s efforts for the cause of climate justice. “I also want to thank Foreign Minister @BBhuttoZardari & PM @shahbazsharif for checking in daily after they left Sharm AlShaikh to see where they needed to intervene to help the negotiations. Such solid support kept many of us going just when we thought it’s touch n go.”

https://twitter.com/sherryrehman/status/1594163376418131968

https://twitter.com/antonioguterres/status/1594203887057223680

https://twitter.com/MichaelKugelman/status/1594202694469570561