A Pre-COP30 dialogue on energy transition convened in Islamabad, jointly organized by the Climate Resilience Program and the Central Asia Program of the Institute of Regional Studies. The discussion centered on Pakistan’s drive toward low-carbon growth and the regional dimensions of an equitable energy transition.
Senator Sherry Rehman attended as Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker, underlining the urgency of accelerating the energy transition to meet national climate commitments while supporting industrial sustainability.
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of the Institute of Regional Studies, delivered the welcome and concluding remarks, framing the conversation around practical cooperation and policy alignment ahead of COP30.
Contributions from key panellists included Mr. Saadullah Ayaz, Member (Mitigation) at the Pakistan Climate Change Authority; Engr. Khuda Bukhsh, CEO of the Engineering Development Board; Dr. Nikita Illeritskiy, Leading Research Fellow at the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia, Russian Academy of Sciences; and Mr. Muhammad Faisal Sharif, Director at the Private Power & Infrastructure Board. Their interventions examined pathways to low-carbon growth, industrial sustainability, and institutional support for a resilient energy transition.
Participants highlighted the need for strengthened policy support, industry engagement, and enhanced regional cooperation to make the energy transition both practical and inclusive for Pakistan and neighbouring economies.
The dialogue served as a timely preparatory platform ahead of COP30, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to climate action and the pursuit of sustainable, low-carbon industrial development through coordinated regional efforts on the energy transition.
