H.E. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, delivered a keynote address as Chief Guest at the Sustainable Development Conference 2025, during the session titled “Rewiring Economic and Fiscal Planning for Climate Prosperity,” organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).
In his address, Mr. Khan described climate change as “the defining economic and fiscal reality of our time,” noting that Pakistan remains among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations despite its minimal contribution to global emissions. Referring to the severe floods that caused widespread devastation, he called the disaster “not merely a climate crisis, but a national economic emergency.”
The Coordinator highlighted Pakistan’s landmark climate-responsive Federal Budget, which for the first time integrates climate considerations across key sectors. He outlined initiatives to expand renewable energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and build national resilience against climate shocks. Mr. Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to achieving ambitious global climate targets and stressed the need for sustained investment in adaptation and mitigation.
During the event, he also visited the conference’s exhibition area, where he interacted with innovators and organizations showcasing sustainable technologies. He commended their efforts in promoting Pakistan’s green transition and discussed opportunities to scale up climate-resilient practices in industry and infrastructure.
The discussions reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to aligning its economic planning with the principles of climate resilience and sustainability. Mr. Khan emphasized that addressing climate change requires not only policy innovation but also collective action from government, private sector, and civil society. He underscored that Pakistan’s path to prosperity lies in building a green, inclusive, and future-ready economy capable of withstanding the challenges of a changing climate.
