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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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.

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18 June 2020

Pakistan: Further desert locust damage forecast in coming agricultural seasons

The Government of Pakistan’s preliminary estimate of monetary losses due to desert locusts over the two coming agricultural seasons in 2020 and 2021 may range from US$3.4 billion to $10.21 billion. Locust damage has significantly affected many farmers already, with further significant locust damage forecast at the end of summer. In late January, the Government of Pakistan declared the desert locust a national emergency and set up the National Action Plan for Desert Locust Control and Surveillance and a high-level National Locust Control Centre. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is providing technical advice and procurement support to the Government for locust surveillance and control activities, including locust threat forecasts and control operation strategies. FAO and the World Food Programme and partners, in coordination with the Government, will access needs in the worst-impacted districts, which have also experienced multiple shocks over the past 18 months, including drought, flash flooding, a cold wave and COVID-19. The Government of Pakistan needs $372 million over the coming three years in additional funding to survey, control and recover from the locust damage. FAO launched the Desert Locust Upsurge Global Response Plan 2020, which includes $12.5 million for Pakistan for crisis response, of which only $1.9 million has been funded. More than 3 million people in Pakistan are facing severe acute food insecurity, with the situation particularly precarious in Balochistan. It is estimated that approximately 34,000 households will need of emergency livelihood and food-security assistance due to crop losses. Many more people may be indirectly affected by crop losses leading to price rises in key commodities.

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16 June 2020

A Coordinated Response to Coronavirus

On Wednesday, 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the coronavirus (COVID-19) viral disease a pandemic, but it is a pandemic that can be controlled. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who heads the UN agency, said, in his statement, “Let me be clear: describing this as a pandemic does not mean that countries should give up.” The UN Secretary-General urged all countries to take a comprehensive approach tailored to their circumstances – with containment as the central pillar. COVID-19 is affecting thousands of people, impacting countries’ health systems and having widespread social and economic effects. The UN entities working on development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, are supporting countries in their preparedness and response plans. This page convenes sources of information and guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) regarding the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). WHO is working closely with global experts, governments and partners to track the spread and to provide guidance to countries and individuals on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak. To stay up to date with the latest information, please visit: United Nations Covid-19 Response: https://www.un.org/coronavirus World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 Latest news on the United Nations’ response: https://news.un.org/en/events/un-news-coverage-coronavirus-outbreak WHO guidance for countries: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/685d0ace521648f8a5beeeee1b9125cd

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27 June 2023

Pakistani woman entrepreneur goes digital

For Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day 2023, we celebrate small entrepreneurs from all over the world. Small businesses account for 90% of the world's businesses, 60 to 70% of employment, and 50% of the global economy. They contribute to local and national economies and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Please describe your business in a few words. My name is Shaheen Ejaz. Many years ago, I developed a skin problem. I often felt embarrassed because of the scars it was leaving on my skin. I used to research quite a bit on herbal remedies looking for a cure. That is when I decided to share my knowledge about herbal cures with other women. My small company, MNM products, started from home here in Quetta. I started small. I began with a vision of not only creating top quality herbal skin care products but also providing opportunities for other women to make a living. I believe that man and woman, both must work to give a good standard of life to their children. What are the challenges that you face or have faced as a small business? Although I knew what I wanted to sell, I had no clue how to do it. In the beginning, my sales were so little. I was lacking the right skills to sell back then. So, money was always an issue. I had to take some personal loans. Staying afloat in the early days was not easy at all. What are your needs to improve/expand your business? I wish to start a factory where I can continue to produce skin care products employing women to provide them with the means of making their own income. For this, I would need finance to help expand my business. I need to re-invest my profit back into the business. How have you found the support from ITC helpful? My business has immensely benefitted from the e-commerce training that I and my daughter received from the European Union funded Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) project in 2021. As a result, I can independently manage issues related to online business, branding, mandatory registration requirements, promotion of products and even packaging to attract more customers. What would you say has been your greatest success as a business so far? My biggest success has been the increase in sales. Ever since I applied my learnings from the training to my business my sales have increased. In the past I would barely make $20 in sales. With my online business, I now make $175 in a week. Your message to other small entrepreneurs? My message to small entrepreneurs would be to think big even when circumstances appear dreary. I want to say to other women like me that they should never underestimate their potential to forge ahead and achieve in life.

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26 June 2023

From Despair to Hope: Overcoming Addiction, Embracing Recovery, and Defying Stigma in Pakistan

The theme of World Drug Day 2023 is “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention.” To commemorate the day, UNODC is highlighting its work on drug prevention and treatment around the world. Pakistan, 26th June 2023 – "The magnitude of the damage caused by drugs is something I shudder to contemplate." Laila*, a 25-year-old woman from a respectable family and a recovering drug addict at a treatment and rehabilitation center in Pakistan, stood with her back turned, gazing out the window. Her voice trembled as she shared her story. At the tender age of 18, she married. But her husband was frequently absent, leaving her in solitude. During her pregnancy, Laila endured mistreatment from her in-laws, prompting her to seek refuge at her parents' home. Eventually, she made the difficult decision to divorce her husband. “The aftermath of my divorce left me engulfed in loneliness, which led me down the path of addiction,” she shared. "It's unfathomable to grasp the state I was in before coming here,” Laila continued, referring to the treatment center. “I resorted to renting a room where I would languish in a haze of intoxication. “Someone alerted my family to my dire circumstances, revealing my unwitting descent into drug addiction," she recounted. "I was utterly devastated, having lost everything, particularly my financial stability. Regrettably, I even neglected my child, leaving them unattended in the room while I was under the influence." Witnessing Laila's plight, her family sought to convince Laila that her addiction was a treatable disease. Initially hesitant, Laila gradually embraced the notion. Supported by her family, she embarked on a three-month treatment program at a center with trainers trained by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). UNODC is building the capacity of drug treatment and prevention professionals in Pakistan on the Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC) and Universal Prevention Curriculum, training over 100 drug treatment professionals from civil society and health, education, and law enforcement organizations. The curriculums relate to the UNODC-World Health Organization “International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders”, a guide which identifies major components and features of effective systems for the treatment of drug use disorders. They describe treatment modalities and interventions to match the needs of people at different stages and severities of drug use disorders. At the center, Laila came to terms with the “extensive harm” her addiction caused. “It defies adequate description. It's inconceivable that a girl who had once led a good life found herself in such a wretched state. “Reflecting upon the hardships endured by my family and brothers due to my drug addiction fills me with sorrow. Addiction stained my brothers' reputation, led to the dissolution of my marriage, and compelled me to leave my children," Laila lamented. "Nevertheless, I am now on the path to recovery, guided by faith and newfound hope. "Today, as I conclude my treatment, an overwhelming sense of joy permeates my being. I have emerged stronger than ever, enriched by invaluable wisdom gained during my time here. I fervently pray that I never plunge into such destitution again." * Name changed to protect privacy Story: UNODC Pakistan

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17 April 2023

Tackling the “climate catastrophe of the century”: the UN Resident Coordinator System’s Support to Pakistan

New York, 13 April 2023- Member State representatives and UN Development Coordination Office (DCO) partners gathered at the United Nations (UN) headquarters to learn about the role of the reformed Resident Coordinator system in leading a comprehensive response to the floods which swept across Pakistan last summer, affecting more than 33 million people and threatening to wipe out decades of development gains. When the climate catastrophe first struck in July 2022, the Permanent Representative of Pakistan H.E Munir Akram recalled that the Resident Coordinator was one of the first partners contacted. “We immediately contacted our partners in the UN development system – to make a quick evaluation of the damage’s extent, and to translate that into the emergency appeal – the 911 response. It was a critical early-stage response that no other organization was equipped to provide.” In a recorded video message, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan H.E Bilawal Bhutto Zardari agreed that in the immediate aftermath of ‘the most devastating climate catastrophe of this century,’ the support from the Resident Coordinator proved vital, describing the RC system as a ‘one-stop shop, our go-to place to coordinate the response, streamline our efforts and ensure a smooth exchange of information.’ “The devastating rains and floods of last year have been a hydra-headed challenge, needing a humanitarian response, development action, and climate change adaptation,” UN Resident Coordinator (RC) Julien Harneis said, joining the UNHQ session online via video. “The scale of the devastation had demanded a whole of society response led by the Government. The reforms of the UN development system gave me, as RC, and my small team the tools to bring together all relevant parts of the UN, the agencies in the country, non-resident agencies, headquarters, the General Assembly, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as well as members states and the International Financial Institution.” RC Harneis explained how the dual humanitarian and development role enabled his team to rapidly switch to providing humanitarian assistance and support the Government to launch an $816 million Flood Response Plan to address both immediate and longer-term recovery needs, mobilizing international financing and solidarity from critical donors including Member States and International Financial Institutions. He added that one year before the floods, the team had through a new generation of Cooperation Framework [a roadmap for sustainable development jointly agreed by the National Government and the UN team], and a nationwide consultation, already identified that the Triple Planetary Crisis [climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss] as an existential threat to the Indus Basin River system and therefore to Pakistan. “This had to be one of the UNs five priorities. So, when the rains started the UN support saw this from the very beginning as a direct result of climate change, needing humanitarian action, reconstruction and adaptation and needing national and international coordination,” Harneis said. Participants noted that through the Resident Coordinator’s leadership, along with his team, leveraging the added value of the UN system at the global, regional and country levels, including making the most of the Development Coordination Office/Resident Coordinator System’s timely support, Pakistan’s path towards long-term resilience planning received a significant boost in January 2023 during the launch of the ‘The 4RF: The Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Framework’. This raised $9 billion in pledges, including from non-traditional donors. The Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations expressed appreciation for the Resident Coordinator’s support in mobilizing international financing for these recovery and adaptation efforts. “The response that Pakistan received at the Geneva conference was an encouraging sign of international solidarity…It’s heartening that the machinery is already in place before the crisis happens.’” RC Harneis flagged the value added of his coordination team, including the economist in the Resident Coordinator’s Office, to tightly coordinate with International Financial Institutions, and in particular the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. This was vital, as their financing of humanitarian activity mainly through the Government was as important as all the funds going through the UN and NGOs that make up the Humanitarian Country Team. He also highlighted the essential collaboration of the UN team on the ground. “For the reconstruction the UN Development Programme (UNDP) brilliantly fulfilled the integrator role that the reform envisaged, pulling together the UN family first for the Post Disaster Needs Assessment and then Resilient Recovery Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Framework (4RF). This brought coherence to the UNs work with our partners: the Asian Development Bank, European Union and the World Bank. “ In essence, RC Harneis stressed that the UN development reform has made effective and timely mobilization responses possible, positioning the RC and the RC Office as the one-stop shop for all UN support in the country or outside. “A good friend in government described the RCO as the 911, available 24/7, bringing together all parts of the UN to get solutions, adding that he never knew which bits of the UN were making it happen, but it just all came together. And this is how it has to be.” Read the full remarks of the Resident Coordinator. Story: UNDCO

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06 March 2023

Breaking down barriers for female police officers

Less than two per cent of Pakistan’s entire police force is made up of women. The lack of female police officers has a significant impact on gender equality in the country – reducing the willingness of women to report crimes and limiting their access to justice. “Sometimes we see women who are not comfortable discussing their cases with the male officers,” explains Asma Baloch, a trainee at the Shahdadpur Police Training College in Sindh Province. “Most of the time, they think they won’t get justice.” While cultural and social norms are the main reasons behind the shortage of female recruits, inadequate facilities at training colleges can also be a hindrance when it comes to attracting more women to the field. “The biggest problem we had was the washrooms. On the first day we arrived, there was no hot water and the toilets were very dirty,” says Naeema Siddiqui, a trainee patrol officer at the National Highways and Motorway Police Training College in Sheikhupura, Pakistan. Naeema is one of around 100 young women currently enrolled at the training college, which receives recruits from all over the country, who live on campus in shared dormitories. According to Deputy General Inspector Mehboob Aslam, the commandant of the college, the housing for women had not been updated since it was opened in 1992 and was unfit for purpose. Almost 1,000 kilometres away at the Shahdadpur Police Training College, the story is all too familiar. According to Asma, the lack of dedicated facilities for women had led to overcrowding. “We faced a lot of difficulties. It would get extremely hot and the bathrooms were unclean,” she says. To help overcome some of these challenges, UNOPS partnered with the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs to build new housing facilities for policewomen as part of country-wide efforts to remove the barriers discouraging women from joining the force. DESIGNING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR WOMEN The National Highways and Motorway Police Training College is the first of three colleges in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh to receive new dedicated living facilities for women. UNOPS Project Manager Nauman Amin says women played an important role in the design process and were encouraged to share ideas on how their needs could be best addressed. “We brought the concept design for the facility here and discussed it with the female police trainees. They are the ones who will eventually live in this building so their input was critical.”

After consulting with the recruits, a family daycare area, study and laundry rooms were added to the design plans. For Naeema, a mother of two who has aspirations of becoming an inspector general, the new facilities will provide her with a child-friendly space where she can host her family when they visit, enabling her to better balance her role as a mother with her training. “Being a mother, the thing I like most [about the new dormitory] is the kitchen and children’s play area,” says Naeema. “Honestly, it just felt like home.” The design for the new facility also incorporated environmental considerations to ensure the building is equipped to deal with extremely hot temperatures common in the region. It is also resilient to earthquakes, something this province is prone to. Story: UNOPS Pakistan

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03 February 2023

Powering better Education in Pakistan

It’s a normal Thursday afternoon in June at GPS Kahi Bazid Khel, a mixed government primary school (GPS) in Kohat, a district in the south of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Classes are underway and children are in the throes of learning. Lights and fans overhead help to keep classrooms bright and cool as the temperature outside reaches a blistering 45 degrees Celsius. Two years earlier, the school would have had little choice but to close due to such temperatures. On extremely hot days, conditions were unbearable and even dangerous for school children and their teachers. “Our conditions here were very harsh. It was very hot out there,” explains Abid Saeed, a teacher at GPS Kahi Bazid Khel. “Only us and the children studying here understand the difficulties we faced.” In the hot summer months when the school stayed open, Abid would have taken his classes outside under the shade of trees. This affected children’s ability to focus on their studies and led to high numbers of absenteeism. Low enrolment and high dropout rates are a problem for many of Pakistan’s government schools. It is especially severe in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, where rural schools often lack access to key infrastructure, such as electricity. Powering change In 2019, GPS Kahi Bazid Khel became the first school to gain access to low-cost renewable electricity as part of a groundbreaking project to address poor learning conditions in more than 1,200 schools across the south of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. “The project is part of concerted efforts to improve primary and secondary education in the region,” says Shahram Khan Tarakai, the Minister of Education for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. “We want to ensure children have the right conditions to be successful at school.” Improvements in attendance at the selected schools are already being felt, with enrolment rates up by an average of five per cent. At GPS Kahi Bazid Khel, the figure is even greater, with 265 students attending school in 2021 compared to 227 in 2018. “Now, we like to come to school and study there. When the fan is switched on, we are happy and really feel like studying,” says Faryal. And for the schools’ teachers, the now cooler and brighter classrooms have made a world of difference, with a noticeable shift in the attitudes and educational results of their students. “We are also very relaxed while teaching [and] the children come with great enthusiasm. There has been a very positive change in the quality of our education,” says Abid. Green energy While new access to energy in these schools is helping provide a better environment for children to learn, importantly, it is also powered by a sustainable and affordable source. This will offset around 2,250 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year, compared to if the schools had been connected to a more traditional electricity grid. The urgent need to transition to sustainable and resilient infrastructure in the face of climate change is particularly apparent in Pakistan, which faces a temperature rise significantly above the global average and is becoming increasingly impacted by extreme weather events. “Pakistan faces major energy deficiencies, especially in rural areas, which limits the potential for equitable development,” says UNOPS Country Manager Marysia Zapasnik. Bringing renewable energy to remote areas of Pakistan has not been without its challenges, however. More than 10,000 solar panels had to be sourced and delivered to locations that were extremely isolated. “Getting solar power to those districts was an eruption of high-tech in a very low-tech environment. It required an incredible amount of effort to train contractors, build local capacity and resolve technical issues,” explains UNOPS Project Manager Benoit Rosenoer. The effort has been worth it, according to Benoit, as the schools not only now have access to a reliable source of electricity, but have the capacity to operate and maintain the solar systems themselves. “Every effort was made to ensure children at these schools will continue to benefit from better learning conditions for years to come.” Project details The Solar Schools Project, funded by the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Saudi Fund for Development, is benefiting some 130,000 schoolchildren and 4,000 teachers across Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. In partnership with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Elementary and Secondary Education Department, UNOPS managed the procurement, delivery and installation of solar energy systems at 1,240 schools in seven of the province’s most underserved districts – Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Hangu, Karak, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, and Tank. UNOPS also provided training to over 4,000 members of parent-teacher councils on operating and maintaining the solar energy systems as part of the $8.5 million project. Story by: UNOPS Pakistan

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Press Release

24 November 2023

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 23 November 2023

UNDP PRESS RELEASE UNDP Pakistan Renovates and Equips Government Girls High School in Quetta Quetta, November 23, 2023 - UNDP Pakistan, in collaboration with the District Education Department Quetta, organized an event today to inaugurate the recently renovated and equipped Government Girls High School at Killi Ismail. Mr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan, along with officials from the Education Department, teachers, students, and community members attended the event. UNDP Pakistan successfully implemented the renovation of the school under promoting the COVID-19 Response and Public Services Capacity in Balochistan Pakistan for Accelerating SDGs Delivery Project funded by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDF) from the Government of China. China Ambassador H.E. Jiang Zaidong praised the close cooperation between UNDP and China in promoting the implementation of the Global Development Initiative and assisting the economic and social development of developing countries. He states that “UNDP and China jointly implemented the “small yet smart” project in Balochistan Province, playing a positive role in post-epidemic recovery and post-flood reconstruction in local communities”. During the event, Mr. Samuel Rizk emphasized the immense importance of girls’ education, stating that, “Education is not only a fundamental right of everyone but also a vital tool in breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving sustainable development. We must ensure that every girl has access to quality education, enabling them to realize their full potential and contribute to a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities.” The opening of the Government Girls High School Killi Ismail signifies a major achievement in enhancing the education sector, especially for girls, across multiple project districts like Quetta, Gwadar, Nushki, Killa Abdulla, and Gwadar. This initiative not only furnished the school with expertise in epidemic prevention and control but also delivered vital amenities and oversaw construction for a more conducive educational setting. The school administration and officials from the Quetta District Education Office expressed their satisfaction with the renovation work, which included the construction of washrooms, provision of science lab apparatus, and new furniture. The students and teachers also commended the efforts of UNDP, which had done a marvellous job in reshaping the schools according to their needs. These newly added facilities will provide the girls with a conducive learning environment, enabling them to pursue quality education with a sense of comfort and satisfaction. The UNDP Pakistan remains committed to its mission of promoting sustainable development and improving the education sector, particularly for girls, in Pakistan. Through partnerships and collaborations, it aims to empower individuals and communities, ensuring equal access to quality education for all. This school renovation is part of the "Balochistan Sustainable Development Goals Accelerated Delivery Project” funded by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDF) of China and jointly implemented by UNDP and the Planning and Development Department Government of Balochistan. Since January 2022 of this partnership, we have worked together to ensure improved access to education for more than 8,000 children mostly girls, by rehabilitating 25 out of 43 schools in Nushki, Killa Abdullah, Chaman, Quetta, and Gwadar districts while 19 schools are in process of being rehabilitated and planned to be completed by the year 2024. Building the capacity of government officials is also an integral part of the project to increase their capacity for better planning and project management to achieve the SDGs agenda. For additional information, please contact Shuja Hakim at Shuja.Hakim@undp.org or +92 (51) 835 5657 ### ### ### 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 the planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP

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Press Release

24 November 2023

Media Update-2: United Nations Pakistan, 23 November 2023

UNDP PRESS RELEASE Climate Action Plan for Karachi City kickstarts with Rapid Strategic Appraisal & Visioning Workshop Karachi, November 23 2023 — United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pakistan in collaboration with its partners at C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and The Urban Unit conducted a Rapid Strategic Appraisal and Visioning Workshop to commence the development of a Climate Action Plan for Karachi city (K-CAP).
Climate Promise, UNDP’s global flagship initiative calling for bold climate action is engaged at the provincial and local levels in Pakistan to provide institutional support and strengthen climate change governance towards low-emission development. UNDP Pakistan’s Innovation-Accelerator Lab (AccLab) is committed to change the way we approach development for accelerated impact, through in-depth contextual research, human-centered lens and portfolio logic. Climate Promise and AccLab are jointly spearheading the development of K-CAP. At the Rapid Strategic Appraisal & Visioning Workshop to launch K-CAP, priority stakeholders from government departments and civil society organisations based in Karachi participated to set the tone for the city’s long-term decarbonization strategy. The workshop was conducted in two sessions with robust participation from government departments in the first session and civil society organizations in the second. The participants were engaged in interactive activities to identify gaps and prioritise the issues and challenges to draft their Long-term Vision Statements for a carbon-neutral Karachi city by 2050. The K-CAP visioning workshop commenced with opening remarks from the Mayor of Karachi, Mr. Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui. He appreciated the initiative and stated that “this city, Pakistan’s largest metropolis, is our home, and we are committed to implementing solutions that are sustainable, practical, and that are doable”. The Mayor assured KMC’s fullest cooperation and role as custodian and proponent of implementing the climate action plan and has also dedicated a core team to facilitate the development of K-CAP. At the visioning workshop, Mr. Usman Manzoor, Programme Officer Climate Promise, UNDP gave an overview of Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Long-Term Strategy (LTS), and technical support being provided to the Government of Sindh through K-CAP and NDC Implementation Plan. Shruti Narayan from C40 spoke virtually at the event and reiterated the opportune launch of the project for Karachi city and its citizens to embark on forging more resilient and evidence-based pathways for a green and inclusive future. The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world's leading cities that are united in action to confront the climate crisis. All C40 cities develop a Climate Action Plan that addresses the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change and deliver wider social, environmental, and economic benefits. Keeping in mind the unique challenges of the city, a dedicated Climate Action Plan for Karachi forms an integral part of Phase-II of UNDP Pakistan’s Climate Promise portfolio in collaboration with C40 Cities. The recommendations generated in the visioning workshop from both government and civil society organisations will be integrated into the K-CAP development process. For additional information, please contact Shuja Hakim at Shuja.Hakim@undp.org or +92 (51) 835 5657 ### ### ### 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.
Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP

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Press Release

23 November 2023

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 22 November 2023

UN-HABITAT PRESS RELEASE UN Habitat Press Release Seminar on ‘"Financing Sustainable Urban Future for All’ On the 21st of November 2023, Islamabad observed the World Cities Day (WCD), an initiative established by the UN-Habitat to signify the culmination of Urban October Activities. UN Habitat in collaboration with Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, organized a seminar centered around the theme of "World Cities Day" focusing on "Financing Sustainable Urban Future for All." This dynamic and thought-provoking event took place at the Department of Nutritional Science & Environmental Design, AIOU. It served as a platform uniting experienced professionals and experts deeply passionate about urban living, aiming to honor and acknowledge the significance of cities while highlighting their crucial role in shaping the future of urban spaces. Distinguished experts like Mr. Jawed Ali Khan, Country Program Manager at UN-Habitat Pakistan; Ar. Gul Najam Jamy, Senior Consultant at The World Bank Pakistan; Prof. Dr. Irshad Ahmad Arshad, Dean Faculty of Sciences at AIOU; Dr. Muhammad Latif Gondal, Director of ORIC at AIOU; and Prof. Dr. Nasir Mehmood, Vice Chancellor of AIOU graced the panel discussion. The discourse commenced with a warm welcome from Prof. Dr. Hajra Ahmad, acknowledging cities' influential role in global development and emphasizing the shared responsibility in nurturing cities as inclusive, sustainable hubs. She underscored the significance of this year's theme as a reminder to collectively build cities that prioritize the well-being of all inhabitants. A video message from Executive Director Maimoona Mohd. Sharif emphasized the necessity for a new financing framework to facilitate sustainable urban development, stressing the importance of integrated planning and prioritizing shelter and housing as fundamental human rights. Mr. Najam Jamy's presentation delved into "How can cities contribute to Pakistan’s Economy," highlighting the value cities add while addressing impediments imposed by government regulations hindering their growth. He pointed out institutional fragmentation, inadequate infrastructure, vertical programs, and weak financial sustainability as barriers to cities' potential as engines of growth. Mr. Jawed Ali Khan shed light on the "Challenges and Opportunities for financing sustainable urban future for all," emphasizing the need for inclusive urban development. He highlighted that Karachi generates 55% of the country's revenue, underscoring cities' substantial economic contributions. He stressed the urgency of investing in cities for mutual benefits, advocating for financial decentralization and empowering municipal financing to set examples for government programs. He proposed academic institutions like AIOU to introduce courses aimed at engaging youth for economic advancement and offered UN-Habitat's support in organizing discussions focused on strengthening urban and rural economies. Prof. Dr. Irshad Ahmad Arshad expressed gratitude, spotlighting AIOU's role in sustainable development through research and teaching, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 4, 8, and 17. He highlighted the university's commendable rankings in these SDGs, showcasing its dedication towards impactful sustainability initiatives. Dr. Muhammad Latif Gondal, in closing remarks, urged acknowledging political constraints and moving ahead with climate-smart initiatives. He emphasized collaboration with communities and academia to ensure research and initiatives resonate with the country's needs, aiding its development.

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Press Release

16 November 2023

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 15 November 2023

UNESCO PRESS RELEASE World Science Day for Peace and Development 2023 Islamabad, 15th November 2023 — In order to commemorate ‘World Science Day’ in Pakistan, UNESCO in collaboration with the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), and ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF) organized a Convention of Scientists at Pakistan Science Foundation on the 15th November 2023 in Islamabad to raise awareness around the quality and equitability of Pakistan’s STEM education system. Since 2001, World Science Day for Peace and Development, is celebrated to highlight the important role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging and important contemporary issues relevant to science. This year’s global theme of the Day is focused on ‘Building Trust in Science’. The role of science in shaping our collective future can only be fulfilled when there is a foundation of trust in science. This trust is what drives the development and application of evidence-based solutions to address the many complex challenges facing our world. Building trust in science is a complex issue, influencing both how scientists carry out their work and how society views the field of science. Also, enhancing trust in science strengthens the basis for science-based policy decisions and society’s support for their application. During the event, in their remarks, Dr. Youssef Filali-Meknassi, Director UNESCO, Islamabad, Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig, S. I., Chairman PSF, Dr. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President, ECO Science Foundation, Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director of COMSATS and Dr. Abida Raza, Technical Director, National Center of Industrial Biotechnology, PMAS- Arid Agriculture University highlighted the importance of STEM education in Pakistan. The event was attended by government officials, scientists, researchers, science communicators, and science journalists. In connection with this year’s World Science Day, three interactive sessions for students are organized on 15 and 16 November 2023 at the Pakistan Museum of Natural History, Islamabad. These sessions are focused on hands-on activities like extracting DNA from fruits, effective laboratory and science communication, and fun with inertia. These sessions will help to build the interest of students in STEM fields. **** Media contact for UNESCO: Anam Mansuri +92 (51) 260 0242

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Press Release

15 November 2023

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 14 November 2023

FAO PRESS RELEASE SOFA 2023 Unveils Global Hidden Costs of Agrifood Systems & Calls for Urgent Transformation In a groundbreaking analysis, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) unveils the staggering hidden costs of current agrifood systems, reaching an alarming $10 trillion annually, nearly 10% of the world's GDP. This revelation comes from a comprehensive study covering 154 countries, shedding light on the multifaceted impact of hidden costs on health, the environment, and society. The 2023 edition of The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) reveals that over 70% of these hidden costs stem from unhealthy diets prevalent in high- and upper-middle-income countries, contributing to obesity, non-communicable diseases, and substantial labor productivity losses. A significant portion, one-fifth of the total costs, is environment-related, attributed to factors like greenhouse gas and nitrogen emissions, land-use change, and water use, posing a global challenge with underestimated scales due to data limitations. Low-income countries bear a disproportionate burden, with hidden costs exceeding a quarter of their GDP, highlighting the severe impact on poverty and undernourishment. The report advocates for true cost accounting (TCA), recommending to countries to conduct regular and detailed analyses, followed by strategic actions to mitigate these hidden harms. The FAO report uniquely disaggregates these costs to the national level, fostering comparability across categories and countries. To harness the potential of such an approach in transforming food systems, FAO will dedicate two consecutive editions of The State of Food and Agriculture to the same theme. While this year's report presents initial estimates, the 2024 edition will delve into in-depth targeted assessments to identify the most effective ways to mitigate these hidden costs. For Pakistan, the total quantified hidden costs of the agrifood system amount to approximately $161.8 billion USD (2020 PPP), constituting around 15% of the country's GDP. These costs are categorized into environmental ($28.9 billion), social ($20.9 billion), and health ($112 billion) dimensions. A noteworthy distinction for Pakistan lies in the environmental realm, with a 10-percentage-point lower share (18% vs. 28%) in comparison to lower-middle-income countries. Conversely, health-related hidden costs show a 9-percentage-point increase (69% vs. 60%), emphasizing unique challenges in the country. Social hidden costs align closely with LMICs overall. The detailed distribution of hidden costs across sub-categories, especially the intriguing land-use change component representing a hidden benefit, underscores the complexity of the agrifood system's impact on Pakistan's economy and society. The report advocates for governments to utilize true cost accounting, emphasizing that addressing the climate crisis, poverty, inequality, and food security requires a transformative approach. It calls for innovative research, data investments, and capacity building to scale the application of true cost accounting transparently and consistently. As the FAO reveals the hidden costs of agrifood systems, the call for global awareness and action intensifies, urging stakeholders at all levels to play a pivotal role in steering agrifood systems towards sustainability. For more information: To learn more, please visit: Shariq Lashari Website: www.fao.org/pakistan Senior Communications Associate Facebook: www.facebook.com/FAOinPakistan Contact: 0321 30 82 691 Twitter: https://twitter.com/FAOPakistan Email: shariq.lashari@fao.org زرعی خوراک کے نظام میں پوشیدہ اخراجات کی کل لاگت سالانہ 10 ٹریلین امریکی ڈالر تک پہنچ جاتی ہے: ایف اے او کی رپورٹ ایک اہم تجزیے میں، ادارہ خوراک و زراعت برائے اقوام متحدہ پاکستان (ایف اے او) کی جانب سے موجودہ زرعی خوراک کے نظام میں پوشیدہ اخراجات پر روشنی ڈالی گئی ہے ، جو کہ سالانہ 10 ٹریلین امریکی ڈالر تک پہنچ جاتے ہیں، یہ پوشیدہ اخراجات دنیا کے کل جی ڈی پی GDP کا تقریباً 10فیصد بنتے ہیں۔ یہ تجزیہ 154 ممالک پر مشتمل ایک جامع مطالعہ پر مبنی ایف اے او کی رپورٹ دی اسٹیٹ آف فوڈ اینڈ ایگریکلچر (SOFA) کے 2023 ایڈیشن کا حصہ ہے ، جس میں صحت، ماحولیات اور معاشرے پر ان پوشیدہ اخراجات کے کثیر جہتی اثرات پر سیر حاصل روشنی ڈالی گئی ہے۔ رپورٹ میں بتایا گیا ہے کہ ان پوشیدہ اخراجات میں سے 70فیصد زیادہ اور اعلیٰ متوسط آمدنی والے ممالک میں مروجہ غیر صحت بخش خوراک سے ہوتے ہیں، جو موٹاپے، غیر متعدی امراض اور خاطر خواہ پیداواری نقصانات میں حصہ ڈالتے ہیں۔ ان پوشیدہ اخراجات کی کل لاگت کا ایک اہم یعنی پانچواں حصہ، ماحولیات سے متعلق ہے، جو گرین ہاؤس گیس اور نائٹروجن کے اخراج، زمین کے استعمال میں تبدیلی، اور پانی کے استعمال جیسے عوامل سے منسوب ہے۔ یہ عالمی سطح پر ایک چیلنج ہے حالانکہ ماحولیات سے متعلق پوشیدہ اخراجات کا تخمینہ اصل سے کم ہے کیونکہ اعداد و شمار کو اکھٹا کرنے میں کچھ دشواریوں کا سامنا ہے۔ رپورٹ میں مزید ٍبتایا گیا ہے کہ کم آمدنی والے ممالک غیر متناسب بوجھ برداشت کرتے ہیں، ان کے جی ڈی پی کے ایک چوتھائی سے زیادہ پوشیدہ اخراجات، غربت اور غذائی قلت پر شدید اثرات کو نمایاں کرتے ہیں۔ رپورٹ صحیح لاگت اکاؤنٹنگ (TCA) کی وکالت کرتی ہے، ممالک پر زور دیتی ہے کہ وہ باقاعدہ اور تفصیلی تجزیہ کریں، جس کے بعد ان چھپے ہوئے نقصانات کو کم کرنے کے لیے بتدریج حکمت عملی کی ضرورت ہے۔ رپورٹ ان اخراجات کو مزید گہرائی سے جاننے کے لئے قومی سطح ، زمروں اور ممالک کے مابین موازنہ کو فروغ دیتی ہے۔زرعی خوراک کے نظام کو بدلنے میں صحیح لاگت اکاؤنٹنگ کی اہمیت کو اجاگر کرنے کے لئے ، ایف اے او اسی موضوع پر دی اسٹیٹ آف فوڈ اینڈ ایگریکلچر کے لگاتار دو ایڈیشن وقف کرے گا۔ اس سال کی رپورٹ میں ابتدائی تخمینوں کو پیش کیا گیاہے، 2024 ایڈیشن ان چھپے ہوئے اخراجات کو کم کرنے کے مؤثر ترین طریقوں کی نشاندہی کرنے کے لیے گہرائی سے اہداف کا جائزہ لے گا۔ اگر پاکستان کے لیے کی بات کی جائے تو رپورٹ میں نشاندہی کی گئی ہے کہ زرعی خوراک کے نظام کی کل مقدار کے مطابق پوشیدہ اخراجات تقریباً 161.8 بلین امریکی ڈالر (2020 پی پی پی) بنتے ہیں، جو کہ ملک کے جی ڈی پی کا تقریباً 15 فیصد بنتا ہے۔ ان اخراجات کو ماحولیاتی ($28.9 بلین)، سماجی ($20.9 بلین)، اور صحت ($112 بلین) میں تقسیم کیا گیا ہے۔ پاکستان کے لئے ایک قابل ذکر امتیاز ماحولیاتی دائرے میں ہے، جس میں کم درمیانی آمدنی والے ممالک کے مقابلے میں 10 فیصد کم حصہ (18% بمقابلہ 28%) ہے۔ اس کے برعکس، صحت سے متعلق پوشیدہ اخراجات 9 فیصد زیادہ ہیں۔جبکہ سماجی شعبے میں پوشیدہ اخراجات دیگر کم آمدنی والے ممالک سے مطابقت رکھتے ہیں۔ ذیلی زمرہ جات میں پوشیدہ اخراجات کی تفصیلی تقسیم، پاکستان کی معیشت اور معاشرے پر زرعی خوراک کے نظام کے اثرات کی پیچیدگی کو واضح کرتی ہے۔ رپورٹ میں حکومتوں کو حقیقی لاگت کے حساب کتاب کو بروئے کار لانے کی وکالت کی گئی ہے، اس بات پر زور دیا گیا ہے کہ موسمیاتی بحران، غربت، عدم مساوات، اور خوراک کی حفاظت سے نمٹنے کے لیے ایک تبدیلی کی ضرورت ہے۔ یہ شفاف اور مستقل طور پر حقیقی لاگت کے اکاؤنٹنگ کے اطلاق کے پیمانے کے لیے جدید تحقیق، ڈیٹا کی سرمایہ کاری، اور استعداد سازی کا مطالبہ کرتی ہے۔ جیسا کہ ایف اے او کی رپورٹ میں زرعی خوراک کے نظام کے پوشیدہ اخراجات پر بات کی گئی ہے، عالمی سطح پر آگاہی اور عملی اقدامات کی ضرورت اور اجاگر ہوجاتی ہے۔ اس کے لئے رپورٹ میں تمام سطحوں پر اسٹیک ہولڈرز پر زور دیا گیا ہے کہ وہ زرعی خوراک کے نظام کو پائیداری کی طرف لے جانے میں اپنا اپنا کردار ادا کریں۔ شارق لاشاری 0321-3082691 Shariq.lashari@fao.org UNESCO MEDIA ADVISORY World Science Day for Peace and Development 2023 Convention of Scientists When: Wednesday, 15 November 2023, 1000am – 1200pm Where: Pakistan Science Foundation, Islamabad What: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in collaboration with the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), and the Economic Cooperation Organization Science Foundation (ECOSF) are planning to organize a Convention of Scientists in celebration of World Science Day for Peace and Development on 15 November 2023 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Who: Media, Government, Academia, Diplomats, International Organizations and UN officials will grace the occasion. Programme Agenda: Time Activity 10.00 Registration of Participants 10.30 5’ Arrival of Chief Guest 10.35 5’ Guests to be seated 10.40 5’ Recitation from the Holy Quran 10.45 5’ Welcome Address by Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig, S. I., Chairman PSF 10.50 5’ Remarks by Dr. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President, ECO Science Foundation 10.55 5’ Remarks by Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director of COMSATS 11.00 5’ Address by Dr. Youssef Filali-Meknassi, Director UNESCO, Islamabad 11.05 15’ Keynote by Dr. Abida Raza, Technical Director, National Center of Industrial Biotechnology, PMAS- Arid Agriculture University 11.20 10’ Address by the Chief Guest, Mr. Ali Raza Bhutta, Federal Secretary for Science and Technology 11.30 10’ Group Photo 11.40 Session ends with Hi-Tea Note to the Media Participants: You are kindly requested to assign a reporter/cameraperson to cover the event. For RSVP please contact; Ms. Rehana Batool, Cell: +92 336 9579746

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