We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Pakistani friends: UK statement at UN General Assembly

Thank you Mr President,

To the people of Pakistan, the victims, and their families we send our deepest and most heartfelt condolences.

As the Secretary-General and Ambassador Akram have said, the floods demonstrate the catastrophic effect of climate change. It has hit some of the most vulnerable people in one of the world’s most at-risk countries. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Pakistani friends.

The UK welcomes the adoption of this resolution today. It is vital that the international community continues to support the people of Pakistan, as they look to recover and rebuild, following this disaster.

In September, the UK announced $18.4m to provide shelter and essential supplies to people across the country. This represents 10% of the initial UN flash appeal.

We are committed to working with the Government of Pakistan, international agencies and civil society to best support those in need.

We welcome the work of the UN and the World Bank to respond fast to their urgent needs. We encourage these organisations to work together with the Government of Pakistan and the international community in a coordinated, collaborative, and open manner, so that support to the response and reconstruction efforts are both effective and impactful.

It is important also to ensure a longer term response to improving climate resilience, with the support of the IFIs. At COP26, the UK pledged over $61m to partner with Pakistan to fight climate change, manage water more sustainably and unlock climate investment at COP26 last year.

Mr President,

This is a tragedy of unprecedented proportions: it demonstrates the human impact of climate change, and the need for us all to maintain momentum, as we advance towards COP27.

This catastrophe also emphasises why the world must work hard to build a greater climate resilience, this includes greater commitment to adaptation and adaptation finance as well as the transition to clean energy sources as quickly as possible, committing to and delivering on an ambitious set of NDCs.

Thank you Mr President.