‘Robust monitoring, validation systems must for operationalisation of carbon markets’

Islamabad: Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Romina Khurshid Alam on Monday said Pakistan’s achievements at COP29 had strengthened its commitment to adopting international carbon trading guidelines.

She also said robust monitoring and validation systems were essential for the successful operationalisation of carbon markets. Speaking as a chief guest at the ‘Post COP Dialogue on operationalisation of article 6 of the Paris agreement: The road from Baku to Belem’ arranged by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Romina highlighted the significance of the outcomes of COP29 held in Baku, particularly the approval of carbon guidelines, which she described as a key milestone in the global journey toward climate action.

"With the government actively collaborating with provincial and international stakeholders, Pakistan is positioning itself to capitalise on carbon trading, aiming to unlock new opportunities for green development and sustainable climate action, she added. She emphasised the importance of article 6 for Pakistan, noting that it offers an unprecedented opportunity to develop robust global carbon markets crucial for achieving the country’s low-carbon growth and adaptation objectives.

For Pakistan, these mechanisms are not merely technical solutions but essential strategic tools for sustainable development and climate resilience. “The approval of the carbon guidelines marks a historic step forward. Pakistan is ready to implement these guidelines with integrity, transparency, and ambition. We are aligning our institutional frameworks with these global standards to attract investment, ensure environmental integrity, and build confidence in our carbon market,” she said.

Highlighting Pakistan’s potential to leverage carbon markets, Romina stated that the country is uniquely positioned to drive transformative change, particularly through projects related to renewable energy, afforestation, and sustainable urban development initiatives.