Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr.
Musadik Malik, participated in the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum
(WUF13) being held in Baku, Azerbaijan under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and
Resilient Cities and Communities.
During the conference, Dr. Musadik Malik delivered Pakistan’s National
Ministerial Statement in which he highlighted the growing challenges posed by climate
change, urban inequality, poverty, and housing injustice, particularly for vulnerable and
marginalized communities.
The Federal Minister also addressed a session on “NDC 3.0: Urban Law and
Multi-Level Governance to Enable Climate Commitments” where discussions focused
on strengthening urban governance frameworks and enhancing climate resilience
through effective policy implementation and institutional coordination.
Dr. Musadik Malik further participated in a high-level dialogue titled “The Climate-
Housing Nexus: Can We Scale Climate Resilient Housing Without Deepening Inequality
or Displacement?”. During the discussion, he emphasized the deep connection between
climate change, urban inequality, poverty, and housing injustice.
The Minister stated that it can take two generations for a family to escape
poverty, while a single natural disaster can push them back into a cycle of deprivation
and vulnerability. He remarked that the issue of climate-resilient housing is
fundamentally an issue of justice and called for collective global efforts to ensure that
vulnerable populations are protected from the disproportionate impacts of climate
change.
Dr. Musadik Malik highlighted the devastating impacts of floods and other
climate-induced disasters in Pakistan, including the loss of human lives, mass
displacement, and severe economic consequences. He stressed that climate-vulnerable
communities continue to bear the greatest burden of disasters despite contributing the
least to global emissions.
The Federal Minister further emphasized that affordable housing must be
recognized as a basic right rather than merely a welfare instrument.
On the sidelines of the forum, Dr. Musadik Malik also held a bilateral meeting
with the Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan, Mr. Parviz Shahbazov. During the meeting,
both sides discussed matters of mutual interest including energy cooperation, climate
resilience, sustainable development, and opportunities for enhancing bilateral
cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
