Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 11 February 2025

Islamabad, 11 February 2025 - The Government of Pakistan, through the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFE&PT) and the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE), in collaboration with UNESCO in Pakistan launched the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG-4) Midterm Review (MTR) Report at Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad. The report provides a comprehensive assessment of Pakistan’s progress, challenges, and the path forward in ensuring quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all by 2030.

The event marked a significant milestone with the official launch of the SDG-4 MTR Report, led by Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. Welcoming the participants, Mr. Hassan Saqlain, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, commended UNESCO for guiding the SDG-4 MTR process. He underscored the importance of collective efforts in implementing the MTR recommendations to drive meaningful transformation in Pakistan’s education sector.

The event commenced with an opening note delivered by Mr. Kar Hung Antony Tam, Officer-in-Charge of the UNESCO Office in Pakistan. In his remarks, Mr. Tam reaffirmed UNESCO’s steadfast commitment to bolstering Pakistan’s education sector by aligning national policies with global standards. As UNESCO being the custodian of SDG-4, he emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to accelerate progress of achieving SDG-4, close the gaps, and ensure that no child is left behind.

In his address as the chief guest, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, emphasized the need for greater investment and enhanced governance in the education sector. He highlighted the significance of the SDG-4 MTR report, which offers concrete recommendations to improve education sector performance in alignment with the 2030 Education Agenda. He stressed the importance of a unified, data-driven approach to bridging regional disparities and accelerating progress towards SDG-4. The Minister also underscored the critical role of a knowledge economy in driving sustainable development, innovation, and global competitiveness, emphasizing that a well-educated workforce is fundamental to economic growth and national prosperity.

Dr. Muhammad Shahid Soroya, Director General, PIE, took the stage to present key findings from the SDG-4 MTR Report, offering a comprehensive overview of Pakistan’s progress in the education sector. His presentation shed light on the nation’s achievements, persistent challenges, and strategic recommendations needed to accelerate momentum towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The findings underscored the necessity for policy reforms, increased investment, and targeted interventions to bridge gaps in access, equity, and quality of education.

Ms. Raheela Hamed Khan Durrani, Education Minister Balochistan, reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to expanding education access, promoting equity, and ensuring high-quality learning opportunities for learners in Balochistan. In her address, she underscored the government's dedication to advancing educational reforms, strengthening institutional capacity, and fostering public-private partnerships to achieve the objectives of SDG-4 in the province.

Education representatives from Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir shared insights into their respective education sector initiatives. Their discussions underscored localized challenges, innovative practices, and policy strategies which aimed at enhancing education indicators. The exchange of experiences highlighted the significance of a decentralized, context-specific approach to achieving SDG-4 targets across Pakistan. They emphasized the need to establish SDG-4 units in all provinces and regions, following Sindh’s model, to ensure coordinated efforts towards sustainable education development.

The SDG-4 MTR Report will provide recommendations and guidance for the Government of Pakistan to work towards the acceleration of progress in education by 2030.

About UNESCO

With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions.