Dubai, UAE — At the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made a compelling case for global cooperation to support Pakistan’s ambitious $100 billion energy transition. Addressing an audience of world leaders, policymakers, and private sector executives, he emphasized the urgent need for climate financing, technology sharing, and private investment to accelerate the shift toward clean energy.
“Pakistan’s energy transition alone demands $100 billion in investment,” Sharif stated. “We call on governments to strengthen climate financing, private investors to explore Pakistan’s green energy opportunities, and multilateral institutions to support emerging economies like ours in achieving sustainable growth.”
The South Asian nation has set ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming for a 60% clean energy mix and 30% electric vehicle adoption by 2030. The prime minister underscored that while Pakistan is mobilizing domestic resources and implementing policy reforms, international partnerships are crucial to achieving these goals.
Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s evolving investment landscape, pointing out that 70% of its population is under 30, offering a dynamic, tech-savvy workforce. To attract foreign capital, the government has streamlined business regulations, strengthened legal protections, and established the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). This civil-military initiative, launched in 2023, aims to remove bureaucratic hurdles and provide a single-window operation for foreign investors.
“Pakistan is at a defining moment of economic transformation,” Sharif declared. “Inflation has dropped to its lowest level in nine years, standing at 2.4% in January, while the interest rate is capped at 12%, providing a significant stimulus for private sector credit.”
He also spoke about the Udaan Pakistan national economic transformation plan, which prioritizes exports, digital innovation, climate resilience, and infrastructure development. At the heart of this strategy is a commitment to energy security, not just as an economic imperative but as a national priority.
On the sidelines of the summit, Sharif met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss deepening economic ties. The leaders explored new avenues for cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and energy, aligning with their shared vision for sustainable growth.
The discussions also touched on regional security, particularly the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international efforts for lasting peace in Palestine, advocating a two-state solution.
Sharif also met with UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, founder of the World Governments Summit. He praised the platform for bringing together world leaders to shape the future of governance and global cooperation.
“Pakistan is committed to facilitating Emirati investors in key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, mining, and IT,” Sharif noted, extending an invitation for businesses to explore opportunities in the country’s rapidly expanding economy.
With a bold vision for clean energy and economic reform, Pakistan’s appeal for global support at the UAE summit underscores its strategic efforts to position itself as a leader in sustainable development.
