By Rafiq Vayani
NAWABSHAH: The Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Karachi, H.E. Mr. Mudzakir, M.A, attended as Chief Guest and delivered the Key Address at the 2nd International Symposium on Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, hosted by Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology (QUEST), Nawabshah.
The symposium convened leading academics, environmental experts, policymakers, engineers, and stakeholders to address the urgent global challenge of climate change and its growing implications for sustainable development, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions such as Sindh.
Climate Change as a Shared Development and Economic Challenge: In his keynote remarks, H.E. Mr. Mudzakir emphasized that climate change is inseparable from development policy and economic stability. He highlighted that the impacts of climate change extend beyond environmental degradation, directly affecting energy security, economic growth, social equity, and national resilience.
The Consul General noted Pakistan’s experience with devastating floods, prolonged heatwaves, acute water stress, and significant disruption to agriculture, underscoring the urgency for collective action.
He also drew parallels with Indonesia’s climate realities as the world’s largest archipelagic nation, facing sea-level rise, extreme weather patterns, and systemic pressures on food, water, and urban systems.
H.E. Mr. Mudzakir presented Indonesia’s firm climate commitments, including its target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 or earlier, and up to 43.2% emissions reduction by 2030, conditional upon international cooperation.
He stressed that Indonesia’s strategy integrates climate ambition directly into national development planning, ensuring that sustainability aligns with economic stability, energy access, and social welfare.
The Consul General also highlighted Indonesia’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) as an example of how developing countries can accelerate renewable energy deployment while mobilizing affordable financing and ensuring inclusivity for workers and communities.
Nature-Based Solutions and Sustainable Livelihoods: The Consul General also showcased Indonesia’s contribution through comprehensive nature-based climate solutions, including: the world’s largest-scale mangrove rehabilitation efforts, permanent moratorium on new permits in primary forests and peatlands, and community-based forest management empowering local stakeholders.
He emphasized that these initiatives deliver multiple benefits: emissions reduction, disaster risk mitigation, and livelihood protection.
Green Economy, Innovation, and South-South Cooperation
H.E. Mr. Mudzakir further highlighted Indonesia’s investment in climate adaptation and innovation through early-warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and disaster risk management planning.
He also noted Indonesia’s development of carbon market mechanisms, green bonds, and sustainability-linked finance as part of strengthening green economic frameworks.
The Consul General reaffirmed Indonesia’s strong belief in South-South cooperation, encouraging collaboration among developing countries that share climate vulnerabilities and development priorities.
Economic Diplomacy and Future Indonesia–Pakistan Collaboration: In line with the economic mission of the Consulate General, H.E. Mr. Mudzakir encouraged stronger Indonesia–Pakistan cooperation in sustainable sectors, including: renewable energy and green engineering, climate-smart agriculture and food resilience, sustainable infrastructure and disaster preparedness, eco-tourism and investment partnerships, and academic–industry collaboration through student and research exchange.
He concluded by stressing that climate action in developing countries must be ambitious yet realistic, principled yet flexible, and that growth and sustainability should remain mutually reinforcing pillars for progress.
Appreciation to QUEST: The Consul General expressed appreciation to QUEST Nawabshah and the symposium organizers for providing an important platform linking climate discourse with practical development and economic priorities.
This participation reflects Indonesia’s continued commitment to promoting sustainable economic diplomacy and strengthening constructive engagement with Pakistan’s academic and business communities.
