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.To download an abridged version: Click here

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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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13 November 2024

Pakistan’s Lady Health Workers: Offering a Lifeline of Health and Hope

As the sun rises over the desert of Tharparkar, the small village of Chehlar begins to wake up under a blistering sky. Despite the harsh heat, the people of Chehlar continue their daily routines. Parveen, 39, a mother of two, has already prepared a simple breakfast for her family and sent her daughters to school, which is miles away. Now, she gathers her materials, pamphlets, and tools for her session at the local health house.Today, in her role as a lady health worker, Parveen will meet with a group of women who have walked, some for over an hour along with their children, to address a diarrhea outbreak in the village. Poor sanitation and lack of clean water have made many sick, and there is a risk of acute malnutrition if the situation persists. Sitting in a circle in the stifling heat, the women listen attentively to Parveen.“It is important to wash hands frequently,” she advises. “If you don’t have access to clean water, boil it before drinking, and eat soft foods such as potatoes, boiled rice, and lentils to boost your immune system.” During the session, Parveen records the names of those needing further examination and prepares to refer them to the nearby health center for nutrition assistance. She then checks the children for malnutrition, using a simple tape measure around their upper arms. Today, an eight-month-old boy shows signs of severe undernourishment. His mother watches anxiously as Parveen gently reassures her, offering guidance on nutrition and registering the child for additional care.This is just one part of Parveen’s work. For 24 years, she has walked from home to home, teaching mothers how to prepare nutritious meals and reminding them about vaccinations.“At first, people didn’t trust me,” Parveen says. “But over time, they saw that I was here to help. Now they respect me, and they listen.”Lady health workers like Parveen are lifelines in their communities, bridging the gap between households and healthcare systems. They teach families essential health practices, guiding mothers on hygiene, and nutrition and preparing meals that improve family diets. Parveen’s expertise developed under the Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) Surge programme, equips her to assess malnutrition, monitor pregnant women, and coach new mothers.The CMAM Surge approach, launched in Umerkot in 2021 and now expanded to Tharparkar, strengthens health systems in regions with high malnutrition rates. Funded by the European Union and implemented by WFP and Concern Worldwide, the programme provides tools and training to health workers like Parveen, who help detect malnutrition and link communities to critical care. This model, embedded across 12 health centers, enables responsive, effective care during seasonal surges of malnutrition caused by poverty, limited clean water, and high vulnerability to infections and drought. Since Pakistan’s Lady Health Worker (LHW) was launched in 1994, it has empowered community health champions in underserved areas, setting a global standard for grassroots health. LHWs like Parveen are crucial in spotting malnutrition early and establishing reliable referral networks to ensure families get timely help, especially during crises. In the past year, Parveen has referred 180 malnutrition cases to the Basic Health Unit in Chehlar, providing each with dedicated follow-up.Prepared for any emergency, from floods to disease outbreaks, Parveen carries her essential health kit — fetoscope, measuring tape, weight scale — delivering accurate, prompt care wherever needed.“This new way of doing things has really improved the system,” Parveen says.She glances at the women still gathered around her, their faces reflecting the heat but also hope. “Now, when we send someone to the health facility, they know who to go to, and they get the right care. The link between us and the hospital is much stronger.”— — Anam Abbas

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09 October 2024

Safe drinking water remains unavailable to nearly half of the people living in Pakistan

Waterborne diseases, and the resulting loss of life, are widespread and further compounded by the scarcity of water testing and monitoring resources – crucial to safeguarding drinking water. Working together over the past three years, UNOPS, the Korea International Cooperation Agency and the government of Pakistan have upgraded 45 laboratories across the country. We had old equipment and didn’t have the right equipment. It used to take around a week to test a water sample. But now, thanks to the new equipment UNOPS and KOICA have provided, we can test water samples quickly and get the results in just a few hours: Farah Naz - Senior Research Officer, Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, Islamabad Through the $4.5 million project, UNOPS procured and installed state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and upgraded the facilities of Public Health Engineering Departments, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency and the Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources to ensure safe environments that support efficiency. Capacity at the water testing labs was developed via training for the Ministry of Climate Change and the rollout of a management information system. Remote areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province have never had local water testing facilities. To address this challenge, eight vehicles were remodelled to serve as mobile testing laboratories. “These mobile laboratories can travel to remote areas where there are no facilities to test the water quality. They can collect samples and test the water for pollutants. UNOPS has also provided us with management information system software to help make our operations paperless and more efficient,” said Shahid Sohail Khan, Secretary Public Health and Engineering Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The project is set to benefit over 60 million people across Pakistan.Story: UNOPS Pakistan

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06 August 2024

Building a Future Free from Child Trafficking: A Collaborative Effort!

By working together, we can build a future where no child is subjected to the horrors of trafficking and every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment," emphasized Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of the National Commission on Rights of Child (NCRC). "We have to act fast to ensure that no child is left behind," she added.In an unprecedented collaborative effort, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), alongside the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), came together to commemorate World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2024 in Islamabad. The event, held under the global theme “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking,” highlighted the collective commitment to protect children and reduce their vulnerability to trafficking.“Children are particularly vulnerable of trafficking for several reasons, including poverty, lack of access to education, humanitarian crises or lack of support networks”, said Uqbaan Khan, one of the student while talking to FIA in the margins of the commemoration of the TIP Day. Many passionate students from the National University of Moder-in Languages (NUML) Rawalpindi shared powerful messages to raise awareness. Their voices added a vibrant and inspiring dimension to the day's activities, emphasizing the urgency of protecting children from trafficking. https://fb.watch/tFBvdM8EIV/?mibextid=w8EBqM Approximately 100 participants from across Pakistan joined to discuss the urgent issue of child trafficking and emphasize the protection of children’s rights. Children represent a significant proportion of trafficking victims globally, with girls disproportionately affected. Rising inequalities and globalization have fueled complex trafficking networks, further exposing children to exploitation via online platforms.The event aimed to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of child trafficking in Pakistan while highlighting the collaborative efforts of various organizations. National partners and stakeholders were recognized for their significant contributions to combating human trafficking.Ms Shahida Gilani read the message of UNODC Executive Director , “This year’s theme focuses on child victims, which have tripled over the past 15 years. According to UNODC’s data, globally, children account for one-third of trafficking victims, suffering unspeakable abuse.”While the Director ILO emphasized the urgent need to combat human trafficking, particularly its impact on children. “With 3.3 million children trafficked worldwide, it is crucial for state systems to adopt integrated approaches that prioritize child protection”, the Senior Programme Coordinator at IOM, highlighted the importance of stronger partnerships and improved migration management.The Executive Director of SSDO and the Head of Office at ICMPD both emphasized the need for a systematic approach to victim identification and support. They highlighted the importance of increased prosecutions, better labor inspections, and enhanced public awareness to effectively address and prevent trafficking. They also underscored the necessity of collaborative frameworks to combat human trafficking, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that no child falls through the cracks and that every child is protected from exploitation and harm.As the main stakeholders in the efforts by international agencies and civil society, government representatives Director General FIA Mr. Ahmad Ishaque Jahangir (PSP) and Abbas Ahsan, Additional Director General of FIA, spoke on the TIP Day. Director General FIA added, “Human trafficking, particularly child trafficking, is a serious human rights violation that demands our unwavering attention and action. Our work is significantly enhanced through collaboration with our esteemed partners.” And “Our society and law enforcement must acknowledge what constitutes trafficking, its prevalence in Pakistan, and its impact on children,” emphasized Additional Director General, underscoring the serious nature of child trafficking.

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21 May 2024

Empowering Lives: UNDP's Food Security Initiative for People Living with HIV in Pakistan

Recognizing this critical need, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has taken a significant step forward. Since 2021, UNDP has been actively collaborating with the Association of Persons Living with HIV (APLHIV), with support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria. Their collaborative effort includes a vital food package program specifically designed to empower PLHIV in Pakistan by tackling food insecurity head-on.
The rationale behind UNDP's food distribution program is clear: for HIV positive individuals, maintaining adequate nutrition is critical to support adherence and tolerance to the lifesaving HIV treatment medication – antiretrovirals. Further, food insecurity can increase the progression of AIDS-related illnesses, reduce the capacity of HIV positive individuals to work and contribute to family and community security. In Pakistan, access to regular, nutritious food remains a significant challenge for people living with HIV due to various socio-economic factors.
UNDP's food distribution process involves providing four packages annually – one for each quarter of the year. These food packages are curated carefully, containing essential components necessary for a balanced diet such as flour, rice, milk, pulses, and cooking oil. As part of our quality assurance procedures, all items included in the food package undergo thorough lab testing to ensure their quality prior to dispatch. As of 2024, UNDP has distributed more than 18,000 food packages to PLHIV across all four provinces of Pakistan, in addition to the federal level. Distribution is as follows: Balochistan: 538 packs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) 3,249 packs, Punjab: 3,868 packs, Sindh: 8,932 packs and Federal: 1,422 packs.
These food packages serve as more than just a source of nutrition; they also bring a sense of solidarity and support. Ms. Ruqaiya, a beneficiary from Islamabad, expressed, “It’s not just a food package, it’s a package of hope and happiness for us.” UNDPs commitment to providing food assistance underscores its dedication to addressing the multifaceted needs of PL HIV in Pakistan.Amid ongoing challenges, including the socio-economic repercussions, UNDP remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting PLHIV in Pakistan. Through strategic partnerships, innovative interventions, and a holistic approach to development, UNDP continues to make meaningful strides towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and leaving no one behind. As UNDP's food distribution efforts continue and its commitment to strengthening HIV prevention and response persists, UNDP is not only saving lives but also building a more resilient and inclusive society for all. Story: UNDP Pakistan

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25 January 2024

Pakistan's farmers feel the (solar) power

In the photo (above), a smallholder farmer from Bhagwela, Rahim Yar Khan, in Punjab province, inspects her solar tube well, a type of water pumping system that utilizes solar energy to bring up water from underground sources, such as wells or boreholes. It is an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to the diesel or mains electricity-powered pumps commonly used in agricultural irrigation. With the solar-powered tube well irrigating her farmland, the farmer has cut costs and improved her crop yields. She is one of the nearly 500 women and men engaged in farming and running small enterprises in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh who UNIDO has helped apply renewable energy solutions for productive uses. The National Rural Support Programme (NRSP), a leading microfinance and development organization in Pakistan, provides loans for the procurement and installation of renewable energy solutions, and UNIDO covers the interest payments so that the loans are interest-free. Another farmer, Kaneez Fatima, from the Sargodha district in Punjab, expressed her thanks. "I own a small piece of land, and access to water and electricity is always a problem. I received UNIDO's assistance through the NRSP - an interest-free loan to purchase a 2KW solar panel to run a tube well to irrigate my land. The installation process was extremely smooth, according to the land irrigation needs and water level." The electricity costs for beneficiaries have drastically dipped. A post-installation impact survey conducted by the NRSP found that 80% of respondents reported savings of of up to 15,000 Pakistani rupees (around €50) a month, with the other 20% saving even more. Small farmers and entrepreneurs have been suffering from fuel price hikes in recent times. Agriculture and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the mainstays of Pakistan's economy, providing jobs for around two-thirds of the population. Rashid Bajwa, CEO of the NRSP, laments the impact of the enegy crisis on the economy. "The majority of our population generates income that is barely enough to meet their needs and the situation is getting worse," says Bajwa. "We need to adapt and improvise, and alternative or green energy just might be the solution that will enable our SME sector to sustain and grow." The farms and businesses supported by UNIDO have not only reduced costs by switching from diesel, they are also helping save the climate. With a capacity to produce 1,825 MWh of clean energy a year, the project beneficiaries will be able to avoid more than 800 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. Shah Jahan Mirza, Managing Director of the government agency, the Private Power and Infrastructure Board, commended UNIDO for introducing renewable energy technogology to smallholder farmers and small enterprises in Punjab and Sindh provinces. "These rural communities generally don't have funding to finance these systems. There are also doubts and misconceptions about these technologies, i.e. they are not reliable and very costly, or may not help. Providing interest-free loans is a breakthrough. UNIDO has taken a lead in this which will go a long way, as the people have now started using this technology. " The UNIDO initiative is part of a bigger project, Sustainable Energy Initiative for Industries in Pakistan, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Collaborating with public and private partners, UNIDO has facilitated investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy in 50 industrial units. In addition, UNIDO has placed significant emphasis on capacity building, and has trained more than 625 professionals, including 30 women, in energy management systems and energy optimization. The project has yielded significant results, implementing more than 12MW of renewable energy projects in the industrial sector, and thereby reducing over 17,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions. Further reading: Sustainable Energy Initiative for Industries in Pakistan WRITTEN BY: Charles Arthur - UNIDO

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Press Release

20 November 2024

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 19 November 2024

THE SECRETARY-GENERALMESSAGE FOR WORLD TOILET DAY19 November 2024Toilets are fundamental to promoting human health, spurring development, and helping all people, especially women and girls, live their lives in dignity.But too many members of the human family live without this basic human right. At the current rate, 3 billion people will still live without safely managed sanitation by 2030.This year’s World Toilet Day shines a light on the threats to sanitation posed by conflict, climate change, disasters and neglect. I urge all governments to support the United Nations Strategy for Water and Sanitation, prioritize clean water and sanitation across budgets, and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure that can protect these systems in the face of extreme weather.We must work to expand assistance to developing countries — through both financing and technology — to build and maintain these life-sustaining systems.And all parties to conflict must stop targeting sanitation and water infrastructure. Let’s spare no effort to meet our commitment to water and sanitation for all, and ensure that every person in the world can realize this fundamental right. *** THE SECRETARY-GENERALMESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF AFRICA INDUSTRIALIZATION DAY20 November 2024On Africa Industrialization Day, we celebrate the inspiring progress and economic growth the continent has achieved over the decades.From the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement to the continent’s young, innovative and entrepreneurial population, to Africa’s growing leadership in renewable energy, Africa is fast-becoming an integrated global economic force across diverse sectors.This year’s theme emphasizes the enormous potential of emerging technologies — especially artificial intelligence — to power African growth in green manufacturing.Artificial intelligence can sharpen the continent’s competitive edge in green manufacturing — boosting productivity, job-creation and African prosperity — while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.In September, leaders adopted the Global Digital Compact to enhance global cooperation and capacity-building in groundbreaking technologies like artificial intelligence. The Compact includes the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of artificial intelligence to give every country a seat at the AI table. It also highlights how digital public infrastructure — like digital payment systems — can boost economic activity and regional integration. I urge Africa to seize this opportunity to harness the transformative potential of technology, and drive inclusive and environmentally conscious development and economic growth.The United Nations proudly stands with all Africans in this essential effort.***

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Press Release

18 November 2024

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 16 November 2024

Pakistan commits to protect children and young people from the impacts of climate change at COP 29112 million children in Pakistan are vulnerable to climate-related disasters and displacementBAKU, 16 November 2024 – The Government of Pakistan, along with the Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Governments affirmed their commitment to protect the rights and interests of children and young people in the face of climate change at an event with UNICEF at the COP 29 Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, today.Leaders from the Government of Pakistan signed the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action, a pledge by champion governments to uphold priorities identified by children and youth across the world. The signature is a significant step towards safeguarding the lives of 112 million children and young people in Pakistan who are vulnerable to climate-related disasters, displacement, and trauma.“We commit to integrate child rights and needs into Pakistan’s climate policies and especially the Nationally Determined Contributions 3.0, which will be the focus of COP30 in Brazil next year,” said Romina Khurshid, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change upon signing the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action.Nationally Determined Contributions embody efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. In 2021, Pakistan submitted its NDC 2.0 which was partially child sensitive. NDC 3.0 is due to be submitted in March 2025.“We must ensure our children and young people are prepared for the future they are growing into,” said Honourable Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh Province. “Our education curriculum must reflect the realities of a world being altered by climate change and preparing our young people for a green economy.”The Government of Pakistan and UNICEF are deeply concerned about the disproportionate impact of climate change on children and young people. Rising greenhouse gas emissions and short-lived climate pollutants pose an imminent threat to their health, education, and well-being. Regular flooding and intensifying heat waves expose children to higher risks than those faced by children in 1960."We affirm our commitment to implement the Declaration and ensure that we invest in the young people of Pakistan though education, skills and providing them opportunities," said Faisal Amin Khan, Team Lead Climate Change, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Member of Federal Pakistan Climate Change Authority.UNICEF, the Government of Pakistan and Provincial Governments will work to ensure that children's rights and interests are at the forefront of climate action and investment.“It is high time climate investments benefit children directly,” said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden. “Currently just 2.4 per cent of global multilateral climate finance is programmed in a child-responsive way. Now is the time to dramatically increase child-responsive climate action in social sectors to protect children’s health and wellbeing.”Collectively, UNICEF is asking world leaders at COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to recognize that children and young people are disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters and impacts, dramatically increase climate finance for children and listen to demands that children’s voices be included to shape climate policies and actions. About UNICEF
UNICEF 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’s work in Pakistan, visit: https://www.unicef.org/pakistan/For more information, please contact:Abdul Sami Malik, UNICEF Pakistan, +92-300-855-6654, asmalik@unicef.orgSabrina Sidhu, UNICEF South Asia, +91 9384030106, ssidhu@unicef.org Photo caption: Kitty van der Heijden, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director and Ayesha Humairah, Additional Secretary (Incharge), Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, signed the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action, at the COP 29 Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, today, in a session moderated by UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil. The Declaration is a pledge by champion governments to uphold priorities identified by children and youth across the world. The Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, Coordinator to the Prime Minister's on Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, and provincial government officials were also present on the occasion.

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Press Release

11 November 2024

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 8 November 2024

ILO and SMEDA join forces to promote formalisation of SMEs in PakistanILO and SMEDA will develop tools and solutions to advance the formalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises in Pakistan.Islamabad, Pakistan (ILO News) – Together with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), the International Labour Organization (ILO) launched a new project on “Facilitating the Transition to Formal Enterprises for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Home-Based Workers in Pakistan” that will develop a comprehensive roadmap to drive regulatory changes and simplify process to facilitate enterprise formalization.The initiative will engage with large enterprises in the textile and automotive sectors to create tools that ensure their suppliers formalize their operations. Additionally, it will provide capacity-building opportunities for suppliers to adapt to evolving market conditions associated with digitalization and just transition.The launch event was attended by representatives from the federal and provincial governments, chambers of commerce, SME representatives, private sector and International Trade Center. The event served as a platform to identify key bottlenecks that the project will address and encouraged collaboration among all agencies to support enterprise formalization.Pakistan’s large informal economy leaves many SMEs operating without access to markets, finance, or the means to provide workers with social protection and other essential labour rights. Studies by ILO and SMEDA indicate that while formalization can be cumbersome and costly for businesses in the short term, it offers long-term advantages that many enterprises are unable to access independently.Geir Tonstol, Country Director, ILO Pakistan, said, “With over 80% of Pakistan’s workforce engaged informally, it is clear that the informal economy presents both tremendous opportunities and significant obstacles. Informality often restricts access to resources, social protection, and markets, creating barriers to a sustainable and equitable future. This project is built to support the transition to formal employment for SMEs and home-based workers, aligning with Pakistan’s aspirations for sustainable development, global competitiveness, and environmental responsibility.”“SMEDA is actively pursuing the agenda of enterprise formalization in Pakistan. The collaboration with ILO on the Enterprise Formalization Project is a crucial initiative aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s economy by formalizing the country’s informal SME sector,” said Socrat Aman Rana, Chief Executive Officer SMEDA. He further said, the collaboration with ILO and the Ministry of Industries and Production underscores our collective commitment to a sustainable and inclusive economy.For further information please contact:Muhammad NumanCommunication OfficerEmail: numan@ilo.orgMobile: +92 303 5000041

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Press Release

06 November 2024

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 5 November 2024

OHCHRMEDIA ADVISORYUN Human Rights Committee to host hybrid press conference to present findings on Pakistan and other countriesThe UN Human Rights Committee will hold a hybrid press conference on 7 November to present its findings on Ecuador, France, Greece, Iceland, Pakistan, and Türkiye.The Committee reviewed these six countries during its current session in Geneva.During the public dialogue with the Pakistani Delegation, the Committee commended the work of the National Commission for Human Rights. It, however, raised its concern about the killings and disappearance of journalists. The Committee also questioned about various forms of attacks on religious minorities, including killings, forced conversions, desecrations of graves, and increased levels of harassment and discrimination. The Committee further addressed violence against women, reproductive rights, and anti-terrorism measures during the meeting.The Committee will present its review findings on Pakistan and the other five countries on 7 November (Thursday) at 13:30-14:30 Geneva time. The press conference will be conducted in English.National and regional media from Pakistan are cordially invited to join the press conference remotely. Should you be interested, please send the following information to Lisa Bünzli (lisa.buenzli@un.org) for registration by 5 November (Tuesday) 6 pm Geneva time:Your nameYour media organisationYour official email For further media enquiry, please contact Vivian Kwok at vivian.kwok@un.org UNICEFPRESS RELEASEFAST FACTS: Violence against children widespread, affecting millions globallyNEW YORK, 4 November 2024 — As world leaders, civil society, advocates, survivors, and young people gather this week for the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogotá, Colombia, UNICEF is calling for urgent action to combat violence that devastates the lives of millions of children worldwide.Violence against children – whether physical, emotional, or sexual – is a global crisis happening in homes, schools, communities, and online. Its impacts are severe, leading to injuries, sexually transmitted infections, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and death. Early exposure can cause toxic stress, affecting brain development, and lead to aggression, substance abuse, and criminal behaviour. Children who experience violence are also more likely to be affected by cycles of trauma and violence as adults, impacting entire communities.“We are the first generation to fully grasp the prevalence, causes, and costs of violence against children – and the first to know the solutions that work," said UNICEF Director of Child Protection Sheema SenGupta. “By investing in prevention, education, and support services, we can break the cycle of violence and build a world where children are safe.”According to the latest available global data:Every 4 minutes, somewhere in the world, a child is killed by an act of violence.About 90 million children alive today have experienced sexual violence.650 million girls and women (1 in 5) alive today were subjected to sexual violence as children, including over 370 million (1 in 8) who experienced rape or sexual assault.In fragile settings, girls face an even greater risk, with the prevalence of rape and sexual assault in childhood slightly more than 1 in 4.Nearly 50 million adolescent girls aged 15-19 (1 in 6) have been victims of physical or sexual violence by their husbands or partners in the past year.410 to 530 million boys and men (around 1 in 7) experienced sexual violence in childhood, including 240 to 310 million (around 1 in 11) who were raped or sexually assaulted.1.6 billion children (2 in 3) regularly face violent punishment at home; more than two thirds are subjected to both physical punishment and psychological aggression.Violence takes the lives of about 130,000 children and adolescents under 20 each year on average.Boys face a higher risk of dying from violence: 3 out of every 4 children and adolescents killed by violence were boys.The risk of dying from violence rises sharply in late adolescence: 7 in 10 children who died from violence were between the ages of 15 and 19, most of them boys.Close to 550 million children (around 1 in 4) live with mothers who are victims of intimate partner violence.The ministerial conference marks a pivotal opportunity to intensify efforts to end violence and build a future where every child grows up safe. UNICEF is calling for strong political leadership, evidence-based policies and interventions, and adequate finance, urging action in three key areas: 1) universal access to parenting support programmes that promote nurturing care; 2) universal provision of safe and enabling school environments; and 3) targeted response and support services for all children who need them. Notes for editors:Download photos here.View UNICEF’s data on violence against children here.Read about UNICEF’s response to prevent violence against children here. 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 and its work, visit unicef.org
Follow UNICEF on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeFor more information, please contact:Maria Cristina Rivera Ochoa, UNICEF in Colombia, Tel: +57 323 2220780, mcrivera@unicef.org
Nadia Samie-Jacobs, UNICEF, New York, +1 845 760 2615, nsamie@unicef.org

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