BAKU – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Azerbaijan’s capital to attend the 17th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), which kicks off today in Baku. The two-day conference brings together regional leaders under the theme: “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future.”
Leading the Pakistani delegation, Prime Minister Sharif is expected to outline Islamabad’s stance on pressing regional and global issues, with particular emphasis on the urgency of climate action, sustainable development, and greater economic integration within the ECO region.
In his address, the Prime Minister will reiterate Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO Vision 2025, advocating for deeper cooperation in trade, transportation, energy, and environmental resilience. Sources say a number of bilateral meetings are also on the agenda, offering a chance to strengthen diplomatic ties with other ECO member states.
Pakistan has consistently drawn international attention to the growing climate crisis, positioning itself as one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to environmental shocks—despite contributing less than 1% to global carbon emissions.
The devastating floods of 2022 remain a vivid reminder of the stakes involved. More than 33 million people were affected by the unprecedented monsoon deluge, which claimed over 1,700 lives and displaced millions. The catastrophe left a trail of destruction, causing an estimated $14.8 billion in physical damage and $15.2 billion in economic losses.
Officials believe the ECO summit offers a critical platform to push for meaningful climate financing, infrastructure investment, and regional solidarity—key ingredients in Pakistan’s long-term strategy for climate adaptation and sustainable development.
As the summit unfolds, all eyes will be on Baku to see whether meaningful progress can be made on the shared challenges facing ECO nations in an increasingly unpredictable world.
