Development
partners have urged greater inter-regional cooperation to address
growing climate change challenges across the globe. In this context, a
four-day summit is being hosted here by the Development Alternatives
Inc. in partnership with Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA) and
Climate Action Network Europe. The summit titled ‘Strengthen Linkages
between EU-South Asia Networks on Addressing Climate Impacts’ includes
sessions on the impacts of adaptation and climate change in the
European Union and South Asia; different approaches taken by the two
regions with regards to low carbon development and energy transition;
and defining equity in a climate-impacted world.

Speaking
at the occasion, Shafqat Kakakhel, Chairman Board of Governors at the
Sustainable Development Policy Institute, Pakistan (SDPI) observed that
the Summit provides an opportunity to jointly look into the varied
dimensions of climate issues specific to each region. Hence, it is
important for the regions to work in close collaboration in order to
effectively address climate change issues. The Islamabad-based think
tank is also the Co-Chair of CANSA. 

Sanjay
Vashist, Director CANSA highlighted that aside from being highly
vulnerable to climate impacts, the South Asian region remains home to
over 40% of the world’s poor. There is a need to minimize dependence on
fossil fuel subsidies and ensure adequate provision of basic necessities
of life across the region.

Kashif
Salik, Research Associate at SDPI observed that Pakistan is still a
semi-industrialized economy. He also highlighted the main features of
the Energy Security Action Plan of 2030, which includes generation
through renewable sources, development of hydropower, and increased use
of nuclear and coal powers.

The
four-day Summit stresses the need for capacity-building of non-state
actors with regards to climate change policies, and also aims to promote
partnerships and exchanges between various stakeholders. CANSA
is a coalition of 112 civil society organisations from South Asia,
demanding that all countries ratify the second commitment period of
Kyoto protocol by 2015. CANSA strives actively towards the protection of
the global climate in a manner that promotes equity and social justice,
sustainable development and protection of the environment.