Address to the 23Rd MOP Bali by the Pakistan Delegate in the Higher Level Segment

Address to the 23rd MOP Bali by the Pakistan Delegate in the Higher Level Segment

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 23rd Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol at Bali Indonesia. On behalf of the Government of Pakistan and my delegation, let me express deep gratitude to the Government of Indonesia for hosting important meeting and providing warm hospitality to the participants. I would also compliment the Ozone Secretariat for making excellent arrangements for this meeting.

Mr. President,

One news item that I came across yesterday was about the Endangered Indonesian coral reefs. South-east Asia's biologically diverse coral reefs will disappear by the end of this century and wipe out coastal economies if climate change isn't addressed, conservation group WWF said in a report. I was really moved reading this news items while being in Indonesia and admiring the natural beauty of these islands.

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 burstdisplacing huge population in northern part of Pakistan.
And for two years in a row we have experienced the most devastating flood in our living history. Last year more than twenty million people were affected and huge number of animals and standingcrops 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 is a party to 14 International Conventions/Protocols and Multilateral Environmental Agreements(MEAs)

Ladies and Gentlemen

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.

Mr. President,

The second issue is the accelerated phase out of Hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in foam, refrigeration and air-conditioning sector through a gradual phase out schedule by 2030. In line with decision taken by the 19th Meeting of Parties (MoP-19) to the Montreal Protocol held atMontreal, Canadain 2007, we are committed to accelerate the elimination of HCFCs. 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.

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 2011 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 Indonesia and the Ozone Secretariat for holding the 23rd Meeting of the Parties at Indonesia

Thank you.