Global South Climate Alliance Calls for Collective Action as Pakistan Brings Together International Voices on Climate Justice

Prof. Dr. Muhamamd Mukhtar Address

Climate diplomacy, regional solidarity, and evidence-based policymaking took center stage as policymakers, diplomats, academics, and climate experts from across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East gathered for the Regional Virtual Conference on the Global South Alliance for Equality, Accessibility, and Sustainable Development. The forum underscored an increasingly urgent message: the world's most climate-vulnerable nations must speak with a stronger, more coordinated voice to shape the global climate agenda.

Organized by the Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR) in collaboration with the Center for Climate Diplomacy, Climate Research Institute, and Regional Connectivity Research Institute, the conference brought together an impressive network of experts committed to advancing climate resilience, regional cooperation, and sustainable development. The event emphasized transforming dialogue into practical policy recommendations to strengthen cooperation across the Global South.

Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, presented a compelling vision of climate justice rooted in human dignity, regional partnerships, and equitable access to climate finance. She stressed that climate change knows no borders and called on nations to move beyond declarations toward measurable implementation, greater international solidarity, and practical collaboration that protects vulnerable communities. She also reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, resilient infrastructure, technological innovation, and inclusive climate governance.

The conference showcased the remarkable leadership of Ms. Amna Munawwar Awan, President of COPAIR and Founder of the Center for Climate Diplomacy, who outlined the vision for the Global South Climate Diplomacy Alliance. She highlighted years of work to build international partnerships, nurture climate ambassadors, expand research collaborations, and create an inclusive platform that connects governments, universities, researchers, youth, civil society, and international organizations. Her roadmap emphasized research, policy dialogue, leadership development, and regional advocacy as the four pillars needed to strengthen the Global South's collective negotiating capacity.

The event also recognized the participation of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Rector of the University of Southern Punjab, Multan, whose longstanding commitment to higher education, sustainability, and institutional collaboration was warmly acknowledged by Ms. Amna Munawwar Awan. Welcoming him to the conference, she noted his long professional association. She invited him to further strengthen and expand the initiative by drawing on his experience and leadership, recognizing his continued support for climate education and regional cooperation.

Throughout the conference, speakers reinforced the importance of evidence-based policymaking, South-South cooperation, climate finance, technological innovation, and the indispensable role of universities in preparing future climate leaders. Distinguished scholars' presentations examined climate diplomacy, regional governance, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and international climate policy, offering practical recommendations for governments and institutions seeking to build resilient societies.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to develop a joint regional declaration and to expand the Global South Climate Diplomacy Alliance into a sustained platform for policy engagement, research collaboration, and climate action. Participants agreed that the challenges posed by climate change require not isolated national responses, but an enduring coalition grounded in shared responsibility, scientific evidence, and collective leadership.