World community let ‘COP-29 Truce’ serve as symbol of human solidarity against climate crisis: Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri

ISLAMABAD, Sep 18 (SABAH): Executive Director, Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Member COP-29 Advisory Committee, Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri urged the world community to let ‘COP29 Truce’ serve as a symbol of human solidarity against whooping impacts of environmental degradation exacerbating conflicts and disasters.

Executive Director SDPI, the only South Asian expert member of the COP 29 Advisory Committee while uniting his voice with the host country Azerbaijan’s COP-29 Truce Initiative made a sincere appeal to the global community for synergized, coordinated, and unified approaches to address climate change challenge.

Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri in his appeal reminded the world that COP-29 to be held in Baku would convene all the nations providing a historic opportunity to promote a global climate action agenda. He added that global warming and climate change are affecting Mother Earth which is the only abode of mankind that demands every nation to unleash unflinching resolve in this battle.

Dr. Suleri, the COP-29’s Advisory Committee member, underscored that the fundamental message of the COP-29 forum is that humanity can transcend political differences and unite to save planet Earth.

“Amidst conflicts spreading and rising, this ideal is more critical than ever. It is a unique chance to bridge divides and find paths toward lasting peace.

Conflicts increase greenhouse gas emissions and ravage the environment, polluting soil, water, and air. The devastation of ecosystems and pollution caused by conflicts worsens climate change and undermines our efforts to safeguard the planet,” the SDPI Executive Director said. He added that the climate talks should be coalescing, with all giving undivided attention and cooperation. “We call on everyone to observe the COP Truce during the month of COP29. Let the COP Truce serve as a symbol of human solidarity.

Let’s unite for a safer, more prosperous, and sustainable future for all. Only by prioritizing peace and climate action can we ensure a liveable planet for future generations,” he said while highlighting the global appeal under COP29 Truce. The COP Truce initiative is inspired by the Olympic Truce as in 1992, the International Olympic Committee requested all states to comply with the truce during the Olympic Games. The UN also endorsed the truce by passing a resolution in 1993 and reinforcing the call to honor the truce.

COP Truce Initiative will envisage halting military operations akin to the Olympic Truce beginning a week before the commencement and concluding ceremonies of COPs. The key reasons leading to the initiative were limiting greenhouse gas emissions and environmental damage, and highlighting the non-political, unifying, and peaceful nature of combating climate change agenda.