Independent Report
KARACHI, July 18: Pakistan’s corporate leaders gathered at an executive programme on carbon finance to examine how climate action can drive business growth, investment, and long-term competitiveness.
The Executive Programme on Carbon Finance for CEOs brought together chief executives, board members, chief financial officers, and sustainability professionals for strategic discussions on emerging opportunities in climate finance and carbon markets. The programme was jointly organized by the Iqbal Executive Development Centre (IEDC) of the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Nutshell Communications, and the Climate Vulnerable Forum and Vulnerable Twenty (CVF–V20).
Speakers highlighted that climate change has evolved into a strategic business issue with direct implications for investment decisions, access to finance, export competitiveness, and corporate governance. They noted that businesses embracing the transition to a low-carbon economy are likely to strengthen resilience, attract investment, and unlock new revenue opportunities.
Participants reviewed Pakistan’s evolving climate policy framework, including the Pakistan Carbon Market Policy, Pakistan Green Taxonomy, and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan’s Sustainability Reporting Framework, which are expected to support businesses in accessing green finance, developing carbon credit projects, and aligning with international sustainability standards.
A special address by SECP Executive Director Mussarat Jabeen focused on strengthening sustainability reporting and corporate governance, emphasizing the importance of climate-related disclosures and board-level leadership in preparing companies for emerging regulatory requirements.
The programme also included discussions on practical approaches to identifying carbon projects, generating carbon credits, mobilizing green investment, and integrating climate considerations into long-term corporate strategy. Participants concluded that early investment in climate-smart initiatives and sustainable business practices will enhance competitiveness and create long-term value in an increasingly low-carbon global economy.
