United Nations in Pakistan

Pakistan affirmed its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by adopting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as its own national development agenda through a unanimous National Assembly Resolution in 2016. Since then, the country has made considerable progress by mainstreaming these goals in national policies and strategies and developing an institutional framework for SDGs implementation in Pakistan. SDG support units have been established at federal and provincial levels with the planning institutions (Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives and Provincial Planning and Development Departments) to guide SDGs implementation and monitoring it progress. In 2018, the Government designed and approved a National SDGs Framework that envisages a national vision to prioritize and localize SDGs. Localized provincial SDG Frameworks are being formulated. The focus of the government is on mainstreaming SDGs in planning processes, ensuring strong monitoring and reporting on SDGs, ensuring public financial allocations are aligned to SDGs and alternate financing modalities are being explored, and to benefit from use of technology to accelerate progress towards SDGs.

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Publication

22 May 2026

UN Pakistan Annual Report 2025

For Pakistan and the international system as a whole, 2025 was a turbulent year. Climate shocks, economic volatility, geopolitical uncertainty and regional instability combined to put pressure on people, institutions and public finances alike. And yet, 2025 was also a story of resilience, adaptation and determined action.This Annual Results report shows how, in 2025, the United Nations stood with Pakistan – and how, together with government, communities and partners, we delivered results for people across the country. It also reflects a central lesson of the year: in a more volatile world, complex challenges cannot be met with fragmented responses. Just as the pressures Pakistan faces are interconnected, so too must be the solutions. The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Pakistan 2023–2027 provides a basis for that integrated approach, bringing together our collective efforts across social services, inclusion, climate resilience, economic opportunity, governance and human rights.

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Publication

16 April 2026

The Future of Governance and the Social Contract

This issue of the Development Advocate Pakistan, The Future of Governance and the Social Contract, examines how governance capacity, not policy ambition alone, will determine Pakistan’s ability to navigate economic volatility, climate pressures, digital transformation, and widening inequality. At a moment of overlapping national transitions, it argues that restoring trust in the state depends on stronger institutions, better coordination, and closing the gap between reform commitments and lived outcomes.The issue features a leadership perspective by Honourable Bilal Azhar Kayani, Minister of State for Finance and Railways and Head of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit, alongside reflections from UNDP Pakistan’s Resident Representative Dr. Samuel Rizk and Deputy Resident Representative Van Nguyen; Sam Waldock, Development Director at the British Deputy High Commission in Islamabad; and Saroop Ijaz, Lawyer and Human Rights Advocate The issue also brings together diverse technical experts and thought leaders examining governance through multiple lenses, including fiscal federalism, constitutional accountability, digital rights, climate governance, water security, regional inequality, inclusion, and more. Among the contributing authors are Christina Murray, Visiting Fellow at Kellogg College, University of Oxford and Gideon Basson, PhD Candidate, University of Oxford; Asma Hyder, Former Dean and Professor at IBA Karachi; Nargis Sethi, Former Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister; Mehreen Naushad, International Law Expert; Dr. Sajid Amin, Deputy Executive Director at SDPI; Shmyla Khan, Researcher and Campaigner; Sara Hayat, Climate Change Law & Policy Specialist; Mohsin Leghari, Former Provincial Minister for Irrigation, Punjab; and Peter Jacob, Director of the Centre for Social Justice. The report concludes with a case study from UNDP’s Democratic Governance Unit, highlighting practical efforts to institutionalize results-based delivery within the Prime Minister’s Office.Together, these contributions underscore a central message: the future of Pakistan’s social contract will be determined not only by constitutional guarantees or reform plans, but by the strength, coherence, and accountability of the institutions that bring them to life.

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Publication

16 April 2026

Pakistan’s National Strategy to Counter Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence

As Pakistan’s digital landscape expands, so does the need to ensure that online spaces are safe, inclusive, and rights-based. In 2024, eight million new female users came online, marking important progress in digital inclusion. Yet in the same year, 135,000 cybercrime complaints were reported, while only 826 cases proceeded to prosecution — just 0.6 percent. This gap between access and protection highlights the scale of the challenge and the need for a stronger institutional response.Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is increasingly shaping how women and girls experience digital spaces in Pakistan. From harassment and cyberstalking to image-based abuse, impersonation, and coordinated online intimidation, these harms can restrict expression, participation, and access to opportunity, while reinforcing existing inequalities.To respond to this growing challenge, the Ministry of Human Rights, Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has developed Pakistan’s first National Strategy to Counter Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence. This strategy marks an important step toward a more coordinated, survivor-centred, and rights-based response. Developed through a consultative multi-stakeholder process, the strategy provides a national framework to strengthen prevention, protection, redress, and institutional coordination, while helping ensure that women and girls can participate in digital life with safety, dignity, and confidence.

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Publication

08 November 2022

United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2027 for Pakistan

With this framework, the UN in Pakistan has prioritized five development outcomes to improve people’s lives in Pakistan, especially the lives of those at the greatest risk of being left behind. The UN will support Pakistan to move forward on its pathway towards sustainable development, on the understanding that:✓ If basic social services – including health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), education and social protection – are strengthened, there will be increased equal access to sustainable quality services for all.✓ If women, girls and transgender persons are empowered to reach their fullest potential, their human, social, economic and cultural rights will be fully protected and upheld, and they will have decision-making power over all aspects of their lives.✓ If the health of the Indus River Basin is restored and protected, and resources are equitably and efficiently used, the Indus will sustain a thriving civilization from its sources to the sea, and Pakistan will be much better equipped to adapt to climate change and mitigate its impact.✓ If there is sustainable and inclusive green economic growth and decent work, there will be equitable employment opportunities, enhanced productivity, a sustainable business environment and the realization of workers’ rights.✓ If inclusive, accountable and efficient governance systems are in place, they will provide equitable service delivery, affordable and accessible justice systems, and enable people to be aware of – and obtain – their rights.To download an abridged version: Click here

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Story

21 May 2026

Pakistan: protecting millions against polio with support from KSrelief

“Just as we care for the children in our own homes and protect them from polio, I want all innocent children in our country to be healthy and protected through polio campaigns. I do this job from my heart, going from house to house to make sure that no child is left behind,” says Faiza.Faiza is one of more than 413,000 frontline health workers trained and mobilized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in April to protect 45 million children from paralytic polio in Pakistan, under the leadership of the Government and with support from donors like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief).From 13-19 April, as the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) implemented its second nationwide polio vaccination campaign of 2026, polio workers like Faiza walked the length and breadth of the country to bring the life-saving polio vaccine to the doorsteps of every child, regardless of social or economic status, no matter where they live or who they are. Since the launch of Pakistan’s polio programme in 1994, thanks to the medical science behind vaccines, Pakistan has reduced polio cases by 99.8%, from an estimated 20,000 in the early 1990s to 31 in 2025 and 1 case so far in 2026. Global polio eradication experts agree that ending wild polio in Pakistan and worldwide is within reach, but only if all partners intensify the response, particularly in the 2 remaining endemic countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan.Polio worker Faiza administers polio drops in Taramari during the April 2026 national polio campaign in Pakistan. Photo credit: Hamid Inam/WHO PakistanLike Faiza, Saima – a former teacher – sees her work as a vaccinator as a personal commitment to protect every child in her community from a disease that can cause lifelong paralysis or death. “As a woman and as a mother, I get a lot of hope and internal satisfaction from this work. It is an act of service for me, vaccinating and protecting the children in my community from this terrible disease.”Saima’s 2-member team goes from house to house, visiting approximately 250 homes during each campaign.Polio worker Saima (centre) during the morning briefing before departing on a vaccination round in Islamabad, Pakistan, during the April 2026 national polio campaign. Photo credit: Hamid Inam/WHO PakistanAs a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), WHO provides technical and operational assistance to Pakistan’s PEI. WHO supports Pakistan and partners in leading key components of the largest polio operation in the world, including science- and evidence-based vaccination campaigns, support for the largest and most sensitive poliovirus surveillance network globally, the training and deployment of polio workers – 60% of them women, outbreak responses, and the monitoring and evaluation of vaccination drives.Economic support provided by donors like KSrelief has been instrumental in ensuring WHO polio operations in Pakistan, while enabling economic support and community service.“I am very content to be working in the Polio programme because I am able to support my family while also protecting children from polio,” says polio vaccinator Hina.“Community health is an important part of my training as a student nurse, so I was motivated to be in the field, engaging directly with communities and promoting health. Being a polio worker and going door to door to vaccinate children is providing valuable field experience and the opportunity to serve the community, as well as income to cover my expenses,” says Waqar, who is completing his final year of nursing education and volunteers as a polio worker during vaccination campaigns.Polio workers like Faiza, Saima, Hina and Waqar are the backbone of polio eradication efforts in Pakistan, knocking on every door and visiting every family to leave no child behind. In their vaccine carriers, they bring hope, one drop at a time, for a polio-free Pakistan and a polio-free world.In 2026, WHO polio operations are being supported by the generous contributions of Pakistan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Germany, the Gates Foundation and Rotary International.Written by Suzanna Masih.Edited by José Ignacio Martín Galán.

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Pakistan: protecting millions against polio with support from KSrelief

Story

05 May 2026

Navigating remote Sindh to deliver life-saving vaccines in Pakistan

Islamabad, Pakistan – In the narrow, muddy lanes of Ghorabari, Sindh, Ali Muhammad’s motorbike brings hope and medical science to the most remote communities. Over the last two decades, Ali has been navigating this marginalized landscape, where accessing healthcare can be a daily struggle. Ali is one of over 15 000 skilled vaccinators trained by the World Health Organization (WHO) under the leadership of Pakistan’s Expanded Programme on Immunization.His mission: to ensure every child completes their full vaccination course, staying protected from vaccine-preventable diseases that could lead to lifelong disability or death.Vaccinator Ali on his motorbike, about to head to vaccination in a remote area in Sindh province, Pakistan. Photo credit: WHO PakistanDay after day, Ali fights a burden of diseases that particularly threatens communities living in makeshift houses far from health facilities.WHO’s collaboration with Pakistan and partners – supported by donors like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance – provides the infrastructure, training, and tools needed to record the vaccination status of children and reach those living in the most isolated areas.Ali Muhammad with a vaccine carrier and safety box on his way to remote households in Ghorabari, Sindh. Photo credit: WHO PakistanWhether during the 2022 floods or the measles and rubella vaccination campaigns of 2022 and 2025, Ali was on the ground to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable. "I have seen real improvement because of vaccination," Ali says. "There are fewer outbreaks now, but our work must be consistent to keep children safe."Ali often encounters hesitation due to misinformation. He remembers one family who, fearing minor side effects like fever, chose to skip life-saving vaccines."We would get our children vaccinated sometimes, and other times we wouldn't," says Zohra, a mother in Ghorabari. This inconsistency turned fatal when her daughter fell ill. Mistaking her fever for a common chest infection, the parents waited. It was only when a rash appeared and they reached the hospital that the truth emerged: it was measles. The realization came too late; the young girl died the next day.Today, Zohra has transformed her grief into a plea: "My daughter is gone because I was careless. I let my doubts come before her safety, and now I have to live with that grief every day. I thought I was protecting her from a fever. I urge every mother: do not wait for a rash to appear, do not let your child become a memory; ensure they are vaccinated on time, every time."Zohra, a mother in Ghorabari, Sindh, advocates immunization after losing her daughter to a preventable measles outbreak. Photo credit: WHO PakistanAli vaccinates over 3500 children annually at the basic health unit and in outreach sites, but he is more than a vaccinator. He is also a counselor who shares the plight of parents like Zohra to break the cycle of refusal. Every morning, he prepares his vaccine carrier, safety box, and vaccines, heading out to reach every woman and child, no matter where they live or who they are."In this area, some people don’t have access to basic health facilities; my mission is to ensure that every child completes their full vaccination course, so they are safe and protected.Written by Ayesha Javed.Edited by José Ignacio Martín Galán.

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Vaccinator Ali prepares a vaccine dose during an outreach session in a remote community in Ghorabari, Sindh.

Story

29 April 2026

‘This work chose me’: Pakistan’s women vaccinators protecting millions on the frontlines

“I didn’t choose this work. This work chose me,” says Sanam, one of the more than 428 000 vaccinators – including 15 000 routine vaccinators and 413 000 polio workers – trained by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Pakistan. They brave distance and difficult terrain and overcome doubts to bring lifesaving medical science to their communities, protecting them against 13 vaccine-preventable diseases.Every year, they protect 7 million children and 5.5 million mothers with routine vaccines. Over 45 million children have been reached with polio vaccines during multiple supplementary campaigns.Many of these vaccinators are women who speak mother to mother, bridging cultural codes and going where others cannot. This World Immunization Week, we pay tribute to them.Meet Sanam, Laila, Rozina, Sagheera, Zeenat, Fatima, Ayesha, Shumaila, Deen-a-Komal and Amina, and learn how, across Pakistan’s provinces, they are proving that, for every generation, vaccines work and save lives.Sanam – Barakahu, Islamabad“When I was in college, I wanted to select a field where I could interact with people and with children – like this vaccination programme that protects children. I wanted to do something for children, as a vaccinator and as a mother.”Vaccinator Sanam prepares a routine immunization dose at the Rural Health Centre Barakahu, Islamabad, Pakistan, in April 2026. Photo credit: Sara Akmal/ WHO PakistanLaila – Muzaffargarh, Punjab“These are my villages, my children. I have walked through these fields in July heat and December fog. When you know a child is waiting, you don’t calculate the distance. You just go. Trust is a real medicine. The injection comes after,” says Laila.Vaccinator Laila walks through the fields of Muzaffargarh, Punjab, carrying a vaccine carrier and supplies to reach children in her community. Photo credit: WHO PakistanRozina – Thatta, Sindh“Some mothers walk very far to bring their children to me. When I see them coming, I never make them wait. There are mothers in this area who lost children to measles because they were not vaccinated on time. Vaccination is not just a choice. It is a responsibility we share.”Vaccinator Rozina prepares a vaccine dose at a community outreach session in, Thatta, Sindh, as mothers and children wait to be vaccinated. Photo credit: WHO PakistanSagheera – Kahuta, Punjab “For 25 years I have been coming to these hills. The children I vaccinated first are now bringing me their own children. That is all the reward I need.”Vaccinator Sagheera reviews vaccination cards with mothers and families during a community outreach visit in Kahuta, Punjab. Photo credit: WHO PakistanZeenat – Rawalpindi“I am a mother too and I got my own children vaccinated for polio. Thank God, they are healthy and protected now. I want all parents in the country to vaccinate their children with polio drops so they do not fall prey to paralysis.”Vaccinator Zeenat, accompanied by a WHO frontline worker, administers polio drops to a child at his doorstep in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, during a door-to-door immunization campaign in February 2026. Photo credit: Hamid Inam/WHO PakistanFatima – Thatta, Sindh“Every tetanus-diphtheria vaccine that we provide protects mothers and newborns from maternal and neonatal tetanus. I am proud to have played a part in eliminating this disease across Sindh.” Vaccinator Fatima administers a Td (tetanus-diphtheria) vaccine to a woman at a community outreach site in Thatta, Sindh, as part of Pakistan’s maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination programme. Photo credit: WHO PakistanAyesha – Tarlai, Islamabad“Every child, every missed dose is all in this register. This data are not just numbers. These are the children I am responsible for.”Vaccinator Ayesha presents her vaccination register to Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, during a visit to the Tarlai health facility in Islamabad in 2025. Photo credit: Ayesha Javed/WHO PakistanShumaila – Karachi, Sindh“The human papillomavirus (HPV) campaign (against cervical cancer) was challenging. I was not just vaccinating — I was convincing parents the vaccine was safe. Every girl on our list was a daughter, a sister, a future. It was our responsibility to protect her health.”Vaccinator Shumaila administers an HPV vaccine to a schoolgirl in Karachi, Sindh, during the national HPV campaign. Photo credit: Ayesha Javed/WHO PakistanDeen-a-Komal – Diamir District, Gilgit-Baltistan“In Diamir, people once turned us away at the door. Since15 women vaccinators were deployed here, coverage has risen from 57% to 83%. That change is what I worked for.”Vaccinator Deen-a-Komal at an outreach site during a measles and rubella campaign in November 2025 in Diamir District, Gilgit-Baltistan. Photo credit: WHO PakistanAmina Khan – Mehrabadi, Islamabad“A missed child does not disappear from my list. I follow up until I find them. A blank space in this register means a child is still at risk.”Vaccinator Amina updates vaccination records at a field outreach site in Mehrabadi, Islamabad. Photo credit: WHO Pakistan.Bridging the human distance to deliver medical scienceIn 1976, Pakistan was certified free of smallpox by WHO. In 1980, smallpox was officially declared eradicated worldwide, ending one of the deadliest diseases in human history. That success was achieved by health workers who walked through neighbourhoods, climbed into villages, and stayed until every eligible person was reached. Two years later, in 1978, Pakistan launched the Expanded Programme on Immunization in partnership with WHO. At the time, there were a limited presence of women vaccinators.Nearly 5 decades on, Pakistan has more women vaccinators than ever. They carry vaccines into the country’s hardest-to-reach corners with WHO technical and operational support – in collaboration with partners and with funding from donors like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.These vaccinators continue to build on the hard-earned lesson that motivated the creation of the immunization programme 48 years ago: understanding that the distance between a vaccine and a child is always, in the end, a human distance, and that the medical science behind vaccines needs vaccinators to deliver it.Written by Ayesha Javed.Edited by José Ignacio Martín Galán

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Pakistan’s women vaccinators protecting millions on the frontlines

Story

06 April 2026

Threading a New Path: Saeeda’s Journey from Isolation to Enterprise

In Union Council Churbandar, in Gwadar district, Saeeda’s days once revolved around quiet, repetitive work.At 39, widowed and raising two children, she relied on hand embroidery to sustain her household. Her work was careful and skilled, but it remained confined within her home. Without access to buyers, pricing knowledge, or regular orders, her monthly income fluctuated between PKR 10,000 and 15,000. It was uncertain, informal, and difficult to scale. “I used to do embroidery, but I did not know how to sell my work properly or get regular orders,” she recalls. Like many women in her community, Saeeda’s challenge was not a lack of skill. It was the absence of a pathway to turn that skill into a stable livelihood.That began to change with the establishment of the Women Resource Centre (WRC) in Churbandar under the Gwadar Lasbela Livelihoods Support Project, financed by Government of Pakistan and the International Dund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Designed as a safe and accessible space, the centre brought women together to learn, work, and exchange knowledge. For Saeeda, it marked her first step out of isolation.Through the centre, she participated in Enterprise Development Training, where she learned advanced embroidery techniques, product finishing, business planning, and basic financial management. More importantly, she began to understand how her work could connect to a wider market.The shift was not immediate, but it was steady.At the WRC, women were encouraged to organise into enterprise groups. Saeeda joined others with similar skills, and for the first time, her work became part of a collective process. Tasks were shared across embroidery, stitching, finishing, and packaging. Products that once took months to complete could now be produced more efficiently and with consistent quality. With support from the centre, she also began receiving orders from local markets and women-led online networks, including through WhatsApp. Her customer base expanded, and her pricing improved.Today, Saeeda earns approximately PKR 35,000 a month. The increase in income has brought stability to her household, but the change is not only financial.“After my husband passed away, I was broken and afraid… The Women Resource Centre gave me skills, confidence, and direction. Today, I can support my children with dignity and hope.” The centre has also reshaped how women in the community engage with work and with each other. It provides a space where they can move beyond home-based, informal production into structured, market-oriented activities, while building confidence and decision-making capacity.Saeeda’s experience reflects a broader shift underway across Gwadar and Lasbela districts. Under the project, women are not peripheral participants but a central focus. They make up more than half of the membership in community organisations, and the majority of productive assets and training opportunities are directed towards them. This approach is supported through a network of Women Resource Centres, designed to anchor skills development, enterprise formation, and market engagement at the local level. The results are visible beyond individual households. Across the project area, there has been a marked decline in the proportion of ultra-poor households earning below PKR 10,000, alongside a rise in households moving into higher income brackets. These trends indicate a gradual but measurable shift from subsistence to more stable livelihoods.At the same time, the process is still evolving. Building enterprise groups, strengthening market linkages, and sustaining local institutions such as WRCs requires time and continued engagement. For Saeeda, however, the direction is already clear.What began as solitary work within the confines of her home has grown into a more structured livelihood, connected to markets and supported by a network of women facing similar challenges. In that transition lies not only increased income, but a redefinition of what is possible.

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12 March 2026

From Risk to Relief: Transforming Medical Waste Management in Pakistan

Many district and tehsil hospitals across Pakistan face a serious but often overlooked problem: the safe disposal of hazardous medical waste. Used syringes, blood-soaked bandages, and other infectious materials are generated every day, yet proper disposal systems are either outdated or unavailable. In some cases, waste is stored for long periods, handled manually, or disposed of in ways that put hospital staff, waste handlers, patients, and nearby communities at risk. The absence of reliable incineration facilities creates a critical gap in the healthcare system, directly affecting both public health and environmental safety.To address this challenge, with support from the Global Fund and in coordination with the Common Management Unit (CMU) of the Ministry of Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (MoHSRC), UNOPS, under its “Developing Infrastructure for Incinerator Installation” project, has successfully constructed facilities in seven district hospitals across different provinces. The medical waste incinerators were procured by UNOPS Geneva office and have been installed in four hospitals as of now, including Tehsil Headquarter (THQ) Hospital, Muridke, Punjab; Institute of Chest Diseases (ICD), Kotri, Sindh; Civil Hospital, Mithi, Sindh; and Teaching Hospital, Khuzdar, Balochistan. The next installation is planned at Teaching Hospital, Turbat. Two sites are currently under construction, and work on the remaining three sites will begin in the next few weeks. Built according to international safety standards, with cavity walls and a properly designed ventilation system to ensure safe and controlled operation. Each installed incinerator can dispose of up to 150 kilograms of medical waste per hour, enabling hospitals to manage their waste efficiently, safely, and securely on-site.The impact goes beyond the structure itself. Staff at all these hospitals have received hands-on operational training, including live demonstrations of the full incineration cycle and safe waste-handling procedures. With four incinerators now operational as of now , they will significantly reduce infection risks for patients and surrounding communities, protect waste handlers from injury, and prevent harmful pollutants from entering the environment.“The installation of the incinerator at THQ Hospital Muridke marks a major step forward in safely managing infectious medical waste within the hospital. This initiative not only protects our healthcare workers but also safeguards our patients, the surrounding community, and the entire population of Muridke.”Dr. Ahmed Ammar Asif, Medical Superintendent, THQ Hospital Muridke This initiative demonstrates UNOPS’ strong expertise in infrastructure development and procurement globally, particularly in complex and high-challenge environments. By delivering safe, standards-compliant facilities and building local capacity, UNOPS is helping to strengthen Pakistan’s healthcare system in a practical and lasting way. The impact goes beyond waste disposal. It means safer hospitals for patients, improved working conditions for healthcare staff, and healthier communities. This project closes a long-standing gap in the health system and contributes directly to better health outcomes and responsible waste management for the future.

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Press Release

16 July 2026

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 15 July 2026

Paris, 15 July 2026 - UNESCO today opens the 2026 Global Conference of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD), with the release of new data revealing both the scale of scientific mobilization over the past two years, as well as the persistent divides that threaten to leave developing nations behind. The Global Conference will bring together over 800 ministers, scientists, and leaders in Paris to take stock of the state of global science and its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals. Follow the 2-day Global Conference via live webcast here: UNESCO - Live Event.New UNESCO data available here:First Global Report of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable DevelopmentThe Science Decade is harnessing the full spectrum of sciences to address compounding global crises such as climate disruption, inequality and the governance of emerging technologies like AI and quantum science. Launched today, its Global Report assesses the first two years into the Decade, drawing on data from 397 endorsed scientific initiatives across 79 countries. It documents an unprecedented response from the global scientific community: USD 50 million in confirmed funding mobilized, and projects supporting all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.Yet the same data exposes a sharp imbalance. Africa accounts for less than 10% of the Decade's initiatives despite representing 17.5% of the world's population. Meanwhile among participating initiatives, 40% identified coordination rather than funding as their primary barrier, pointing to a governance gap that money alone cannot close.Speaking at the event UNESCO Director-General Dr. Khaled El-Enany highlighted that“The world is not lacking scientific knowledge -- what we need now are stronger systems to put that knowledge to work for people and the planet. Two years into the Science Decade, scientists across the world have mobilized with remarkable energy. Governments must now turn this momentum into policies, budgets and measurable impact – with UNESCO’s support.”The report identifies five structural reforms to get the SDGs back on track:Reform how research is rewarded from the current "publish or perish" culture;Expand equitable access to scientific infrastructure and knowledge, allowing all countries to participate and benefit;Create direct bridges between scientists and decision-makers to ensure research remains responsive to society’s needs;Rebuild public trust in science through integrity, inclusion and scientific literacyResponsibly govern new technologies, including AI, before they outpace our ability to steer them.Open science: closing the gap from policy to implementationNew UNESCO data also reveals how 81 countries have implemented UNESCO’s Recommendation on Open Science since its adoption in 2021. The findings show that 60% of open science policies adopted over the past 5 years explicitly reference the Recommendation, showing proof that this instrument is directly shaping how governments design science policy.Yet progress remains uneven: while 79% of governments report having an open science policy framework, only 41% actually have a plan in place to implement it, and just one in three has a monitoring mechanism to ensure these policies are reaching their goal of making scientific research more accessible.Science for the next generationOn the sidelines of the conference, UNESCO and the AXA Foundation for Human Progress have launched Next Generations, a photo exhibition showcasing eleven outstanding young researchers from around the world and the stories behind their work, a reminder that the scientists who will carry the next decade of discovery are already at work.Under the theme Science in Action: Charting a Sustainable and Equitable Future for All, the Global conference will tackle the most pressing challenges to close the gap between scientific research and the decisions that affect people's lives, including: reducing global science divides between North and South, and between men and women, translating open science commitments into practice, and rebuilding public trust in science.UNESCO Pakistan Office, in collaboration with the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) and the ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF), is planning to launch a year-long regional webinar series on Science, Ethics and Innovation under the framework of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033). The initiative will serve as a platform for policymakers, researchers, academics and scientific institutions across the region to exchange knowledge, strengthen science diplomacy and promote South-South cooperation. Through eleven thematic webinars covering areas such as bioethics, open science, artificial intelligence, neurotechnology, science policy, STEM education, quantum science and women in science, the series will showcase UNESCO's global normative instruments and flagship initiatives while fostering ethical, inclusive and responsible approaches to science, technology and innovation in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.

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Press Release

14 July 2026

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 14 July 2026

Paris, 10 July 2026 – Global leaders, ministers of education, development partners, youth representatives, academia and the private sector convened at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris for the Transforming Education Summit +4 (TES+4), marking a critical milestone midway between the landmark 2022 Transforming Education Summit and the 2030 deadline for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on inclusive and equitable quality education.Convened by the United Nations Secretary-General and the Director-General of UNESCO on the SDG 4 High-Level Steering Committee meeting, the Summit reviewed progress made since 2022 while identifying the urgent actions required to address persistent learning inequalities and strengthen the resilience of education systems worldwide. Discussions underscored that education systems are facing unprecedented challenges arising from fiscal constraints, climate-induced disasters, protracted humanitarian crises, and the rapid advancement of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, requiring renewed political commitment and innovative policy responses.The Summit brought together high-level participants, including President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, the Director-General of UNESCO, Khaled El-Enany more than 25 Ministers of Education, representatives of international financial institutions, youth leaders, civil society, academia and the private sector. The event also featured Grammy-nominated artist Audrey Nuna, the singing voice behind Mira in K-Pop Demon Hunters, highlighting the role of young voices in advancing the global education agenda.A central theme of the discussions was the growing global education financing crisis. A major outcome of TES+4 was the launch of UNESCO's new evidence and policy resources on education financing, including updated global data on investment in education and a Technical Guide on Debt-for-Education Swaps. The guidance aims to support governments in converting debt obligations into long-term investments in education, helping countries protect education budgets amid growing fiscal pressures. UNESCO highlighted that 113 countries - home to more than 6 billion people - currently spend more on servicing debt than on education, while low- and lower-middle-income countries continue to face an estimated US$97 billion annual financing gap for education.The Summit also reaffirmed UNESCO's leadership in shaping the future of education through strengthened international cooperation, resilient education systems, responsible integration of artificial intelligence in education, and sustainable financing mechanisms. Participants emphasized that accelerating progress towards SDG 4 will require collective action, increased investment, and country-led reforms that ensure every learner has access to quality education, even in contexts affected by conflict, climate change and economic uncertainty. The outcomes of TES+4 will help inform the global education agenda beyond 2030 while reinforcing international efforts to transform education into a driver of sustainable development, peace and prosperity for all.The Summit also served as a strategic milestone ahead of the 2027 Global Education Meeting, the SDG 4 review at the High-level Political Forum, and the 2027 SDG Summit, which are expected to define priorities for the final push towards achieving SDG 4 by 2030 and shape the post-2030 global education agenda.About UNESCOThe United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1945 to build peace through international cooperation in education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. Working with its 194 Member States, UNESCO supports countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting inclusive and equitable quality education, safeguarding cultural and natural heritage, advancing scientific cooperation, fostering freedom of expression, and ensuring that knowledge and innovation benefit all.For more information about UNESCO and its work, visit UNESCO

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Press Release

13 July 2026

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 10 July 2026

UNOPSPRESS RELEASEUNOPS Pakistan Convenes Multi-Stakeholder Workshop: Advancing a Circular Plastic Economy and Decent Work in IslamabadIslamabad, 11 June 2026 - The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and International Labour Organization (ILO), with funding support from The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), are leading a pilot project titled, ‘Promoting Sustainability & Decent Work in PET* Recycling Value Chain’. The Coca-Cola Foundation is providing USD 500K for the project, which aims to strengthen PET recycling systems, advance Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy frameworks, and substantially improve the occupational safety, health, and livelihoods of informal waste workers across the capital. Under this project, UNOPS Pakistan convened a Multi-Stakeholder Inception Workshop in Islamabad on “Transitioning to a Circular Plastic Economy”. The workshop brought together representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), the Capital Development Authority (CDA), and workers’ representatives.The Minister of State for MoCC&EC, Dr. Shezra Mansab, attended as the Chief Guest, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustainable waste management and a circular economy. She remarked:“Transitioning to a circular economy is a national environmental priority, and projects like these are crucial for driving that change. Optimizing our waste management systems and scaling up recycling initiatives are essential steps forward, and addressing the gaps in our regulatory landscape requires strong coordination, collective institutional action, and a unified effort from all stakeholders. Furthermore, raising awareness and ensuring the occupational safety and well-being of our informal workforce must be a priority of our transition as their role is vital to achieving a sustainable future”During the workshop, Jennifer Ankrom, Country Manager, UNOPS Pakistan, actively engaged in the discussions alongside key stakeholders to unpack the complex realities of the waste value chain. The discussion focused on uncovering critical operational bottlenecks, resource constraints, and the challenging conditions faced by frontline workers. During the technical session, preliminary findings from a diagnostic study were shared, highlighting critical gaps across policy, governance, market systems, material recovery, and stakeholder engagement within the PET* recycling value chain. Participants provided valuable insights and recommendations to strengthen these evidence-based interventions.With nearly two million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually in Pakistan,[1] this pilot project paves the way for a more sustainable, inclusive, and scalable framework for waste management and recycling at the national level.*PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate, a type of plasticNotes to the editors:Press contact details:For more information, contact Wajid Zahid at wajidz@unops.org or +92 346 8557760 About UNOPSUNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement across the world. Read more: www.unops.org. UNDPPRESS RELEASEEU and UNDP launch Pakistan’s first Rule of Law Forum on the future of people-centred justice9 July 2026, Islamabad: Under the European Union (EU) funded ‘Deliver Justice Project’, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched Pakistan’s first Rule of Law Forum. Taking a forward-looking approach, the Forum explored emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities that will shape how people experience justice in Pakistan.The Forum brought together representatives from the judiciary, government institutions, civil society, academia, the private sector, development partners, activists, and policy experts to deliberate on this year's themes: Climate Justice, Commercial Justice, and the transformational role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in justice.Hon’ble Mr. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Supreme Court of Pakistan, attended the event as Chief Guest, taking the opportunity to highlight, “Justice cannot remain static in a rapidly changing world. Our responsibility is to ensure that the justice system evolves with the needs of the people it serves. At the Supreme Court of Pakistan, we are pursuing transformative reforms that strengthen institutional resilience, enhance public confidence, and place people at the very center of justice.”The Forum opened with a panel discussion titled "No Justice without Climate Justice," moderated by Ms. Shahzada Ahmad, Programme Manager, Rule of Law Programme, UNDP Pakistan. The discussion explored Pakistan's climate litigation journey. Panelists Barrister Zunaira Fayyaz, Climate Governance and Policy Advisor; Ms. Sibah Farooq, Climate Justice Attorney; and Ms. Granaz Hoath, Psychologist and Climate Change Activist from Balochistan, reflected on the evolving legal landscape surrounding climate accountability and environmental rights.This was followed by a high-level roundtable discussion between members of the judiciary and representatives from the private sector on commercial justice and its role in enabling sustainable economic growth. Chaired by Hon'ble Mr. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, Judge, Supreme Court of Pakistan, the session reflected the growing importance of commercial justice as Pakistan continues to strengthen reforms aligned with the European Union's GSP+ framework.Dr. Sébastien Lorion, Acting Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the EU to Pakistan, took this opportunity to highlight, “Today’s Rule of Law Forum is the final event of the fully EU financed ‘ Deliver Justice Project’ which began over 5 years ago. The topics under discussion today are important as they affect the citizens of Pakistan and impact the quality of their daily lives, be it from climate change, economic development or artificial intelligence. The discussions have been insightful and while highlighting the many challenges ahead, they also presented many opportunities for change. Through our current and future EU support to the Rule of Law and human rights programmes, we will continue to work with the Federal and provincial judiciaries and the executives, the criminal justice authorities, Bar Associations and Civil Society Organisations to help provide a more secure and people-centred ecosystem of the justice sector.”The Forum also examined the rise of AI in the justice sector, particularly in light of the Supreme Court of Pakistan's recent guidelines on its responsible use. Moderated by policy expert and columnist Mr. Fasi Zaka, the discussion featured Judge Muhammad Amir Munir, Director Instruction, Federal Judicial Academy; Ms. Bushra Saeed, Director IT Governance, Risk and Compliance, National Information Technology Board; Dr. Naveed Iftikhar, AI Strategist and Founder, atomcamp; and Mr. Jamal Aziz, Executive Director, Research Society of International Law. The panel discussed how AI can strengthen access to justice, improve judicial efficiency and support decision-making, while underscoring the importance of ethical safeguards, transparency and human oversight.In his remarks, Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan, shared UNDP’s aspirations for the platform. “This Forum looks outward and forward, asking the difficult questions about how justice will be experienced in Pakistan. In the years ahead, we hope it becomes a shared space, a compass for justice institutions, activists, and innovators navigating toward a more equal future. Responsive justice institutions are how we make sure no one is left behind, or left aggrieved.” Dr. Rizk thanked the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the European Union for their continued partnership in advancing a justice system that is more inclusive, responsive, and people-centred.###For further details, please contact:Muhammad Omer Hayat, Communications Officer, UNDP Pakistan, at omer.hayat@undp.orgSamar Saeed Akhtar, Communications, Press and Information Officer, samar-saeed.akhtar@eeas.europa.eu, Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan
About the Deliver Justice Project:The 20 Million Euro “Deliver Justice Project”, is fully funded by the European Union and aims to support reform processes to ensure the delivery of people-centered justice, enhance access to justice for all, particularly women and less privileged groups, and improve service delivery of the security sector in line with constitutional safeguards and international standards in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including the Merged Districts and Balochistan. The project is funded by the EU and jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).The UNDP Rule of Law Programme is implementing a range of interventions to enhance security and justice sector governance in Pakistan.About UNDP:UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. UNESCOPRESS RELEASEUNESCO Finalizes and Disseminates Comprehensive Assessment of Pakistan's Flood Early Warning SystemIslamabad, Pakistan – 9 July 2026 – UNESCO has finalized and disseminated the Comprehensive Assessment of Pakistan's Flood Early Warning System (FEWS), a landmark report providing an evidence-based analysis of Pakistan's flood early warning architecture and a strategic roadmap for strengthening disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.The report was prepared in response to the devastating impacts of the 2025 monsoon floods through UNESCO's Natural Sciences Emergency Funds. It assesses the performance of Pakistan's Flood Early Warning System across the entire warning chain from risk knowledge and monitoring to forecasting, communication, and community-level early action. The assessment was developed through an extensive consultative process involving federal and provincial institutions, disaster management authorities, technical agencies, academia, development partners, and flood-affected communities across Pakistan.The findings acknowledge Pakistan's significant progress in strengthening technical forecasting capacities and institutional frameworks. However, the assessment concludes that the most critical challenge remains translating forecasts into timely and effective action at the community level. The report identifies persistent gaps in last-mile warning dissemination, localized and impact-based communication, inter-agency coordination, data integration, and preparedness systems, particularly in remote and high-risk areas.To address these challenges, the report presents a set of strategic and actionable recommendations. These include strengthening last-mile warning delivery through resilient, multi-channel communication systems that remain functional during power and telecommunications outages; standardizing localized, impact-based warning messages linked to clear early actions; enhancing institutional coordination through time-bound Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); improving data interoperability across agencies; strengthening monitoring for flash floods, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), and urban flooding; and institutionalizing community participation through volunteers, teachers, local leaders, and civil society organizations.The report also proposes a phased implementation roadmap comprising immediate (0–12 months), medium-term (1–3 years), and long-term (3–5 years) actions to transform Pakistan's Flood Early Warning System into a more integrated, resilient, and people-centred system aligned with the United Nations' Early Warnings for All initiative and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.Following its finalization, the report has been disseminated among relevant federal and provincial government institutions, disaster management authorities, technical agencies, development partners, academia, and other key stakeholders to support evidence-based policymaking and guide future investments in strengthening Pakistan's early warning systems.The assessment reflects UNESCO Director-General Prof. Khaled El-Enany's commitment to mobilizing science for sustainable development and ensuring that UNESCO's work delivers practical benefits for people and communities. Through evidence-based recommendations for strengthening flood early warning systems and disaster risk reduction, the initiative demonstrates UNESCO's integrated approach to building resilience in the face of climate change.The assessment reinforces UNESCO's commitment to supporting Pakistan in advancing science-based solutions for climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development. By promoting integrated, inclusive, and people-centred early warning systems, UNESCO continues to contribute to national resilience-building efforts and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.The report is expected to serve as a key reference for policymakers, technical institutions, development partners, and practitioners working to strengthen flood risk management and climate resilience across Pakistan.For further information, please contact:Zahra SohailNational Communication Officer, UNESCOz.sohail@unesco.org
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Press Release

13 July 2026

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 9 July 2026

GENEVA / ISLAMABAD, 8 July 2026 – Following the conclusion of the inaugural United Nations Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance in Geneva, UNESCO has emerged as the leading agency driving the global transition toward safe, ethical, and human-centered artificial intelligence.Established under the mandate of the UN General Assembly, this landmark Dialogue marked the first inclusive, truly multilateral platform where all Member States converged to shape the future of digital governance. Throughout the two-day summit, discussions focused on bridging the global AI divide, ensuring meaningful human oversight, and guaranteeing that AI systems are developed and governed in accordance with international law and human rights.Speaking at the high-level opening of the Dialogue, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for immediate, unified implementation of international standards:"AI is advancing at runaway speed. The question is whether we will govern it together – or let it govern us. We must turn global participation into global action to make AI safer, fairer, more accessible and more ethical."UNESCO Director-General Dr. Khaled El-Enany highlighted the importance of protecting cultural and linguistic diversity in the age of artificial intelligence:"Humanity's rich and diverse cultural and linguistic heritage is our greatest source of creativity, identity and resilience, but we must ensure Artificial Intelligence strengthens, rather than erodes this diversity. Global AI governance is essential to protect all voices, empower all cultures, and guarantee that innovation reflects the full breadth of human culture."Watch the full speech here: Khaled El-Enany (UNESCO) - Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance - Day 1 | UN Web TVThe Global Dialogue builds upon six months of worldwide consultations involving a diverse international coalition of technical experts and policy contributors. More than 1,500 written submissions informed the agenda, with AI safety, capacity-building, transparency, accountability, and human oversight emerging among the highest global priorities.The Dialogue also follows the release of the preliminary report of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, providing governments with an evidence-based foundation for future policy discussions and international cooperation.The high-level outcomes of the Dialogue built upon six months of worldwide consultations and more than 1,500 written technical submissions. At the center of these global discussions was UNESCO’s own Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence—the world's first global normative framework on AI, adopted unanimously by Member States. To operationalize these standards, UNESCO mandates the use of the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) and the Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA). These tools serve as the premier international diagnostics for evaluating a nation's digital, legal, and social preparedness for AI integration.These global deliberations, recommendations and tools, directly trickle down to shape local action, particularly at a time when Pakistan is undergoing a rapid, critical digital transformation. Emerging as a leading global participant in translating these ethical frameworks into domestic reality, Pakistan currently leads the world in the UNESCO-Oxford capacity-building initiative on AI and Digital Transformation in Government, with more than 1,000 Pakistani civil servants actively trained to manage ethical public sector digital projects. To anchor this systemic progress in robust governance, UNESCO is providing key technical assistance to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) to align Pakistan's draft National AI Policy with international ethical and human rights standards. As part of UNESCO’s AI and Rule of Law Programme, the Office in Pakistan is reviewing the opportunities, challenges, and capacity needs for the ethical use of AI within Pakistan's judicial sector. The findings will support evidence-based policymaking and capacity development to promote transparent, accountable, and rights-based AI in justice systems. Simultaneously, UNESCO is bridging the competency gap in education, with initiatives such as training teachers from the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) and the Associated Schools Project Network (ASPnet), in AI, to equip teachers and students’ future needs.This localized momentum in Pakistan serves as a prime, operational example of the broader UN Digital Week in Geneva, which aimed to transform the Global Digital Compact’s vision of inclusive international cooperation into a lived reality. Ultimately, the success of the Global Dialogue is measured not just by the declarations, but by this very ability to convert global consensus into safe, human-centric technological progress on the ground.About UNESCOUNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency dedicated to strengthening our shared humanity through the promotion of education, science, culture, communication and information. We set standards, produce tools and develop knowledge to create solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time, and foster a world of greater equality and peace.

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Press Release

13 July 2026

Media Update-2: United Nations Pakistan, 9 July 2026

WHO, WFP, UNICEF, BISPPRESS RELEASE BISP, WFP, WHO, UNICEF extend partnership to protect 3.3 million children and women from malnutrition in Pakistan9 July 2026, Islamabad, Pakistan – The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), together with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) today announced a three-year extension of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme to protect an additional 3.3 million children and women from malnutrition across Pakistan.Integrated into BISP, the Benazir Nashonuma Programme will continue to deliver nutrition and health services to the most vulnerable pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under the age of 2 through a nationwide network of 578 facilitation centres and 224 nutrition stabilization centres. Since its launch in 2020, the programme has reached 4.7 million people. With this extension, its total reach is expected to increase to 8 million people.“The Benazir Nashonuma Programme is a powerful demonstration that when social protection is combined with nutrition, healthcare and strong partnerships, we can transform the lives of mothers and children,” said Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid. “Benazir Nashonuma carries forward the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who dreamed of a Pakistan where no mother or child would be left behind because of poverty. I feel proud to play a role in turning that vision into reality. Today’s signing of BNP 3.0 is not merely the continuation of a programme, it is a renewed national commitment to giving every child a healthier start in life and every mother the opportunity to build a better future for her family. Together with our development partners, we will continue to expand this impact so that no deserving woman or child is left behind.”The partnership aims to consolidate a science-based initiative that has achieved some of the strongest results ever documented globally for a nutrition programme. Children enrolled in the programme were 22 percent less likely to be stunted at 6 months of age.In Pakistan, four in every ten children under five are stunted as a result of chronic malnutrition – equivalent to 10 million children – while wasting stands at 17.7 percent, affecting 5 million children and contributing to an estimated annual economic loss of USD 17 billion.The Benazir Nashonuma Programme addresses these challenges by embedding nutrition services within Pakistan’s national social protection system. Evidence generated also found improved maternal nutrition and child survival, increased uptake of antenatal care, healthier pregnancy weight gain, and improved birth outcomes.“The results of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme are extremely promising for the prevention of child malnutrition,” said Anita Hirsch, WFP Representative and Country Director in Pakistan. “Building on this success, the three-year extension will allow WFP to continue supporting the Government of Pakistan and BISP in reaching more mothers and children with the nutrition services they need, and consolidating the positive results we have seen so far.”“We commend the Government of Pakistan for its strong leadership and continued commitment to advancing nutrition-responsive social protection through the Benazir Nashonuma Programme,” said Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan. “Together with WFP and WHO, UNICEF is proud to support the Government in improving nutrition outcomes for the most vulnerable mothers, adolescent girls and children. Building on this strong partnership, we will continue working together to strengthen nutrition systems, expand equitable access to and demand for high-impact nutrition interventions, and empower communities with essential care practices. Investing in nutrition is ultimately an investment in Pakistan’s future, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to survive, grow and thrive”.“The positive results achieved by the Benazir Nashonuma Programme prove the power of integrated whole-of-government and science-based approaches across health, nutrition, social protection, WASH, food systems, and education,” said WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng. “WHO stands ready to work with Pakistan and partners to use science to protect every child and every mother regardless of economic and social status, no matter where they live or who they are”.Through this renewed partnership, the Government of Pakistan, BISP, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO will continue working together to strengthen nutrition and health services, protect the most vulnerable women and children, and build a healthier, more resilient future for Pakistan.***For more information, please contact: Maryam Sikandar, BISP, maryamsikandar.0311@gmail.comAnam Abbas, WFP/ Islamabad, anam.abbas@wfp.orgDr. José Ignacio Martín Galán, WHO Pakistan’s Head of Communications, jomartin@who.int Amina Sarwar, UNICEF Pakistan, amsarwar@unicef.org UNICEFPRESS RELEASE UNICEF study reveals significant gap between corporate commitments and action for children across AsiaAnalysis of 1,399 companies across nine Asian markets reveals children remain largely invisible in corporate ESG reporting, despite growing risks from climate change, digital harms and poor nutritionBangkok, 8 July 2026 - A new UNICEF study of 1,399 listed companies across nine Asian countries finds that while most companies make commitments on human rights, few identify, report on or measure their impacts on children, revealing significant gaps both in disclosure and in action.The report, Making Children Count: Sustainability Reporting across Emerging Asia, developed with the Centre on Child Rights and Business, finds that children remain largely invisible in corporate sustainability reporting, despite making up around one in three people across much of the region."Across Asia, corporate sustainability reporting is accelerating faster than anywhere else," said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. "Yet child rights remain one of the most significant unreported dimensions of corporate sustainability. This report shows us a great opportunity - and where we can start acting."The report finds that while nearly 3 in 4 companies report human rights commitments and 88 per cent report child-related community activities as corporate philanthropy, only one in 20 companies identify children as stakeholders and only one in 100 assess their business impacts on children.The disconnect is particularly stark in sectors tied to some of the region's greatest challenges for children.Only a small fraction of companies discloses how they are addressing risks and material impacts on children in climate change, online harms, malnutrition, child labour and the working conditions of parents. Just 2 per cent mention children in climate strategies, fewer than 10 per cent of tech companies report measures to protect children online, and only 3 per cent of companies commit to implementing protective marketing practices for children. Even within the food and beverage sector, just 12 per cent disclose protective marketing practices.On child labour, where 72 per cent of companies have commitments, only 2 per cent explain how they remediate cases when these are found, while just 3 per cent support suppliers to improve practices. The picture is slightly better on family-friendly workplaces, where reporting is more common, but meaningful commitments on living wages remain rare.''These gaps matter not only for children's wellbeing today, but for Asia's future workforce, productivity, economic growth and human development. As Asia takes a leading role in shaping global ESG standards, it has an opportunity to ensure children are no longer overlooked. UNICEF is ready to work with companies, investors and governments to integrate child rights into business practices and investments," added Mr. Wijesekera.UNICEF is calling on all stakeholders to make children visible in the decisions, disclosures and standards that will shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for every child. Specifically, UNICEF calls for:• Companies to move from promises to proof by identifying, managing and reporting on impacts on children and aligning philanthropy with children's needs and business impacts.• Governments and policymakers to make child-inclusive business the norm by integrating children's rights into laws, policies and reporting frameworks.• Investors and stock markets to make child rights part of mainstream ESG by integrating child-related risks and impacts into reporting and ratings and promoting child-lens investment to contribute to the development of children in Asia.• Parents, consumers, children and young people to use their voices, choices and lived experiences to hold companies accountable and help shape business practices that better protect and support children. Notes for editors:Read the full report here.For more information, please contact:Marge Francia, Advocacy and Media Specialist, UNICEF Asia and the Pacific, Tel: +66 614 467 833, mfrancia@unicef.org Abiodun Banire, Communication Specialist (Media), UNICEF Asia and the Pacific, sbanire@unicef.org About UNICEFUNICEF works in some of the world's toughest places, to reach the world's most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF Asia and the Pacific and its work for children, visit https://www.u nicef.orq/asia-pacific/ Follow UNICEF Asia & the Pacific on Facebook, and Linkedin.

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