Download Address to the 23rd MOP Bali by Mr Muhammad Ashraf JS IC/NPD

Address to the 24rd MOP Geneva by Mr
Mehmood Alam Secretary Climate
Change, Government of Pakistan
Mr.
President,
Heads
of
Delegations,
Excellencies,
Delegates,
Ladies
and
Gentlemen,
I feel honored and privileged to address this august gathering of Ministers, experts and
policy makers at 24th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol at Geneva
Switzerland. On behalf of the Government of Pakistan and my delegation, let me
express deep gratitude to the Government of
Switzerland for hosting important
meeting and providing warm hospitality to the participants. I would like to congratulate
the Montreal Protocol for the 25th successful years of implementation and its
contribution towards protecting the Ozone layer rand the global climate
Nevertheless, I would like to draw you attention towards the challenges being faced
by Pakistan due to global warming and climate change. Few years back we were hit by
extreme drought followed by glacier burst displacing huge population in northern part of
Pakistan.
And for two years in a row we have experienced the most devastating floods in our
living history.
Millions of
people were affected and huge number of animals and
standing crops destroyed. This year again we had a flooding the southern part of
Pakistan affecting nearly six million people. This is not only a huge burden on our
economy
but also results in suffering of a large population who are already on
sustenance farming. Here I urge the Montreal Protocol to do whatever possible to link
with climate change and contribute to the mitigation efforts already underway by the
other agencies
Pakistan is committed to contribute towards global efforts for the conservation and
improvement of environment. Pakistan has taken various initiatives for the preservation
of environment over the past two decades and Pakistan party to 14
International
Conventions/Protocols and Multilateral Environmental Agreements(MEAs)
Mr President
Government of Pakistan with the support of Multilateral Fund (MLF) of the Montreal
Protocol has extended financial and technical assistance to the industry to switch over
from ODS-based technology into Ozone friendly technology through the implementing
agencies, World Bank UNIDO, UNDP and UNEP. I am pleased to mention here that
Pakistan is in full compliance with regard to the import and consumption limits of first
generation of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and has completely eliminated import
and consumption of these substances till date.
As far as phase out of HCFC is
concerned, Pakistan is fully committed in implementing the decision of MOP 19 in 2007
Here I would like to thank the Multilateral fund for approving our HCFC Phaseout
Management Plan and I would like to inform you that the implementation of the HPMP
is well under way as per the schedule of activites.
Mr. President
Here I would also like to invite your attention towards the Institutional Strengthening of
the Montreal Protocol projects in Article 5 parties (developing countries). It is an
acknowledged fact that the funding for Institutional Strengthening under the Multilateral
Fund Secretariat has played a pivotal role in successful implementation of the Montreal
Protocol. Therefore, funding for Institutional Strengthening to Article 5 parties beyond
2013 is absolutely essential for smooth functioning of Montreal Protocol projects in the
respective countries especially for effective implementation of HCFCs phase out
projects.
Mr. President
Illegal trans-boundary movement of ozone depleting substances is another area of
concern for almost all the countries. We are endeavoring to curb this menace with the
collaborative efforts of national and international key players. The WCO/UNEP online
training for is a powerful tool maximize opportunity of capacity building of custom
officers to tackle this severe problem effectively
Finally, I would assure you that the Government of Pakistan is committed to protect the
Ozone layer and environment and, therefore, would continue to extend all possible
support to the global community at all levels. Before I conclude let me once again thank
the Government of Switzerland and the Ozone Secretariat for holding the 24rd Meeting
of the Parties
Thank you.