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The Sustainable Development Goals 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.
Publication
08 November 2022
United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2027 for Pakistan
With this framework, the UN in Pakistan has prioritized five development outcomes to improve people’s lives in Pakistan, especially the lives of those at the greatest risk of being left behind. The UN will support Pakistan to move forward on its pathway towards sustainable development, on the understanding that:✓ If basic social services – including health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), education and social protection – are strengthened, there will be increased equal access to sustainable quality services for all.✓ If women, girls and transgender persons are empowered to reach their fullest potential, their human, social, economic and cultural rights will be fully protected and upheld, and they will have decision-making power over all aspects of their lives.✓ If the health of the Indus River Basin is restored and protected, and resources are equitably and efficiently used, the Indus will sustain a thriving civilization from its sources to the sea, and Pakistan will be much better equipped to adapt to climate change and mitigate its impact.✓ If there is sustainable and inclusive green economic growth and decent work, there will be equitable employment opportunities, enhanced productivity, a sustainable business environment and the realization of workers’ rights.✓ If inclusive, accountable and efficient governance systems are in place, they will provide equitable service delivery, affordable and accessible justice systems, and enable people to be aware of – and obtain – their rights.To download an abridged version: Click here
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Story
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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Story
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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Story
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
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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Story
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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Story
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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Story
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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Story
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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Press Release
01 July 2024
Media Update-2: United Nations Pakistan, 28 June 2024
Launch of Olive Market Study for PakistanIslamabad, 28 June 2024 – The European Union funded project - Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP), implemented by the International Trade Centre, today launched, in collaboration with the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development, the Pakistan Olives Market Study report. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the current landscape, consumer preferences, and growth opportunities in Pakistan’s olive market.The study reveals that, despite global production challenges such as extreme adverse weather conditions and pests, the global olive oil market continues to exhibit remarkable resilience. In Pakistan, the olive oil sector has seen significant expansion from a fledgling 19 kg production in 2016 to 121,000 kg by 2023, with a cultivation area now reaching almost 3,800 hectares, reflecting considerable potential for growth within the domestic market.The report highlighted consumer preferences as a critical driver in shaping the market. For example, the study found health benefits as a key purchasing criterion, responsible for a 31% increase in olive oil consumption among Pakistani consumers in 2022. Furthermore, the study indicated a strong preference for olive products among younger demographics, with 40% of surveyed consumers under 29 years old.GRASP aims to develop the olive value chain in Pakistan through strategic interventions. Through initiatives such as Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and the establishment of demo plots, GRASP provides direct support to SMEs in applying Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). These efforts enhance the sustainability and productivity of olive cultivation. Training programs on advanced processing techniques, such oil extraction and curing table olives, are integral to improving post-harvest management and product quality, simultaneously ensuring that Pakistani olives meet high market standards.Moreover, GRASP's focus on trade and market linkages has facilitated the participation of olive growers in international exhibitions and trade fairs, significantly increasing their market visibility and opportunities. These efforts not only open new markets for Pakistani olive products but also provide invaluable networking opportunities for local producers. Amongst the study’s strategic recommendations, increasing private sector investment, to meet both domestic and international demands, is highlighted.Secretary of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Dr. Muhammad Fakhre Alam Irfan, affirmed the government's commitment to supporting the olive oil sector. He emphasized the impact of climate change on Pakistan, the cultivation and consumption of olive oil aligning with Pakistan’s goals for sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience.“We believe this report will serve as a critical tool for stakeholders in the olive sector, providing valuable insights to retailers, wholesalers, and producers. The growing preference for olive oil among Pakistani consumers presents a tremendous opportunity for local cultivation and production,” said ITC representative, Mr. Irshad Ali (GRASP Project Management Unit Lead).Welcoming the report’s findings, Dr. Stephen Langrell, Head or Rural Development and Economic Cooperation at the European Delegation to Pakistan, commented “We hope the support as provided via our EU funded GRASP project will both guide and catalyse the further development of the olive industry in Pakistan, in particular in the most rural and marginal areas where olive cultivation is so well suited, and development assistance most needed”.The GRASP project is working to improve the business atmosphere for SMEs in horticulture and agriculture, in 22 rural districts across the Sindh and Balochistan province, as well as policy support to the federal and provincial governments of Pakistan.
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Press Release
28 June 2024
Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 28 June 2024
UNIDO Hosts High-Level Workshop to Strengthen Food Regulatory Practices in Pakistan(Islamabad, 26 June 2024) — The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) brought together senior officials from Provincial Food Authorities across Pakistan in Islamabad for a high-level workshop to enhance food regulatory practices in Pakistan. The workshop, entitled “Designing and Operating Food Regulatory Functions,” gathered Director Generals, Directors, and Technical Officials from all Provincial Authorities of Pakistan, including Azad Jammu Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and the Islamabad Food Authority. Professor Samuel Godefroy, an expert in Food Risk Analysis and Regulatory Policies at Laval University and former Director General of the Food Directorate under the Federal Department of Health in Canada, delivered the sessions in this three-day workshop from 25 to 27 June 2024.Participants reviewed core food regulatory functions, focusing on best practices in managing food business operations to protect consumers and promote optimal food handling among local producers. The workshop highlighted the collaborative nature of food safety regulations and emphasized the importance of fostering compliance among food producers in Pakistan. Through a SWOT analysis, participants assessed their performance. They drafted recommendations to enhance food safety, including increased collaboration at federal, provincial, and territorial levels, enhanced food regulatory science capacity, and improved governance of food safety decision-making.Participants reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a predictable, transparent, collaborative, and evidence-based food regulatory environment. They also emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with the food production sector and other stakeholders to ensure the improved standards of food safety across Pakistan.This workshop represents a significant step forward in strengthening Pakistan's food regulatory framework, contributing to the protection of consumers and the advancement of best practices in food handling and safety. PAFAID is a four-year JICA-funded project being implemented by UNIDO in close coordination with the Government of Pakistan. It aims at improving pilot applications of compliance capacities and value-addition practices in the cattle meat value chain in KP province and the apple value chain in Balochistan province. For more information, please visit the website www.pafaid.org For more information contact
United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)
Phone: +92- 51 8354812 Fax: +92-51 2600123Email: a.nasimkhan@unido.org; O.KHAN@unido.org
United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)
Phone: +92- 51 8354812 Fax: +92-51 2600123Email: a.nasimkhan@unido.org; O.KHAN@unido.org
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Press Release
28 June 2024
Media Update-2: United Nations Pakistan, 27 June 2024
UNHCRPRESS RELEASEUNHCR calls for solidarity and solutions for Afghan refugeesISLAMABAD, 27 June 2024: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency Thursday lauded the people and government of Pakistan for hosting Afghan refugees for over four decades and called for protecting those seeking safety in Pakistan.UNHCR acknowledged that as Pakistan has been facing its own challenges, the country’s generosity must be matched with international responsibility-sharing. World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It’s marked annually, and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. According to UNHCR’s flagship global trends report, global forced displacement rose to 120 million by May 2024, of which some 43 million are refugees.Tragically, about 40 per cent of all displaced individuals are children aged 17 or under, highlighting the profound impact on young lives.Reflecting the global 2024 theme, “solidarity with and solutions for refugees” an event was held in Islamabad to pay tribute to refugees and express appreciation for the enduring generosity of the communities hosting them.The event was attended by Federal Minister for SAFRON, Amir Muqam, UNHCR’s National Goodwill Ambassador Mahira Khan as well as other members of the government and civil society.UNHCR’s Representative in Pakistan, Philippa Candler, expressed concern at the increase in the number of people forcefully displaced from their homes across the world, and paid tribute to their resilience. “I am inspired by the many Afghan refugees I have met in Pakistan, whose strength, ambition and determination are an example to us all,” she said.The Representative called for all stakeholders to seize the opportunity to commit to a more ordered and predictable refugee management policy, show compassion for people forced to flee and seek solutions to their plight. “We can all do more to show solidarity with refugees. No action is too small, whether it’s welcoming a refugee into your community or advocating for their protection,” she added.The Federal Minister underlined the financial challenges of Pakistan in hosting Afghans in the country, and noted the generous support of the international community. However, he emphasised that international attention is dwindling and continued solidarity is a must.UNHCR’s Goodwill Ambassador Mahira Khan called for a renewed collective pledge to stand with refugees. “Let us work together to ensure that every displaced person has access to safety, dignity, and a place to call home”.EndsMedia contactMr. Qaiser Khan Afridi, UNHCR Pakistan Spokesperson, +92-300-5018696 ***
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Press Release
28 June 2024
Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 27 June 2024
ILOPRESS RELEASEStakeholders advocate for equal opportunities for women in engineeringGender equality in the engineering profession is a matter of decent work and social justice and an economic imperative.ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (ILO & UNOPS News) – Stakeholders at the International Women in Engineering Day event recognized the ongoing challenges in achieving gender parity in the engineering profession and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for women to innovate, lead & excel in shaping the future of engineering.The International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) marked International Women in Engineering Day by bringing together stakeholders, including representatives from Government, employers’ and workers’ organizations, amongst others at the ILO Country Office in Islamabad. The event highlighted the contributions of women in the engineering field and highlighted the challenges they face in accessing and pursuing engineering careers.International Women in Engineering Day serves as a global initiative to promote the visibility of women in engineering, showcasing diverse career opportunities and celebrating the remarkable achievements of women engineers worldwide.In Pakistan, women's labour force participation rate stands at a concerning 21%, with the majority concentrated in unskilled and low-skilled roles. Only 1% of women hold managerial positions. This disparity extends to the engineering field, where women remain significantly underrepresented.The event underscored the need for increased investment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for girls. It also called for initiatives to promote gender parity in male-dominated fields in Pakistan and to create a working environment that is more inclusive and free of violence and harassment.Ms Jennifer Ankrom, Country Manager of UNOPS Pakistan, emphasized the importance of involving both men and women in the design, delivery, and review of infrastructure. “UNOPS has developed a range of guidelines related to inclusiveness of infrastructure to guide practitioners and policy makers. Part of this is considering that a workforce without women will not result in inclusive infrastructure. UNOPS Pakistan is making efforts to expand our pool of women led businesses and women engineers given that in both, women are significantly underrepresented.”She further stated that UNOPS has a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe work environments. “We strive to deliver the highest quality work for our partners and communities we support – safely and sustainably. UNOPS' celebration of women engineers underscores our commitment to providing an enabling environment where women can thrive professionally, and support inclusive and sustainable development in Pakistan,” she added.Dr. Arshad Mehmood, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, joined the event as chief guest and said, “Empowering women engineers in Pakistan can unlock a vast talent pool, significantly boost the country's labour force participation rate, and contribute to a more diverse and skilled workforce, both domestically and internationally."Representing the PEC, Engr. Khadija Qureshi said “Despite being 50% of the population, only 30,000 women are registered engineers, and just 3,000 are professional engineers. It's crucial to promote gender equality by encouraging parents and girls to pursue STEM and focusing on skill building and career development resources.”Ms Fauzia Waqar, Federal Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment at Workplace stated, "Fostering an inclusive workplace culture that actively addresses and prevents harassment is crucial to attract and retain women in engineering, enabling them to thrive in a safe and respectful environment that values their skills and contributions."Mr Guillermo Montt, representing the ILO stated: “The ILO, through its normative framework, works to improve the policy environment and application of International Labour Standards in order to ensure access to equal opportunities in training and employment for women and men. We do this through social dialogue with Government, employers’ and workers’ organizations.”The event also featured a panel discussion with women engineers who shared their experiences and highlighted three key issues: violence and harassment, the need for a supportive environment that allows women with family responsibilities to continue their careers, and access to training opportunities.For further information please contact:Muhammad NumanCommunication OfficerEmail: numan@ilo.orgMobile: +92 303 5000041Arooj ZahraCommunication OfficerEmail: aroojz@unops.orgMobile: +92 346 8557731
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Press Release
25 June 2024
Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 20 June 2024
THE SECRETARY-GENERALMESSAGE ON WORLD REFUGEE DAY20 June 2024From Sudan to Ukraine, from the Middle East to Myanmar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and beyond, conflict, climate chaos and upheaval are forcing record numbers of people from their homes and fueling profound human suffering. The latest figures show that a total of more than 120 million people around the world are forcibly displaced, including 43.5 million refugees. World Refugee Day is about honouring their strength and courage – and stepping up efforts to protect and support refugees on every step of their journey.Refugees need global solidarity and the ability to rebuild their lives in dignity.When given the opportunity, refugees make significant contributions to their host communities, but they need access to equal opportunities and to jobs, housing, and healthcare.Young refugees need quality education to achieve their dreams.And generous host countries, mostly low- or middle-income countries, need the support and resources to fully include refugees in societies and economies.Let us pledge to reaffirm the world’s collective responsibility in assisting and welcoming refugees … in upholding their human rights including the right to seek asylum … in safeguarding the integrity of the refugee protection regime … and ultimately, in resolving conflicts so that those forced from their communities can return home.***THE SECRETARY-GENERALMESSAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA21 June 2024The International Day of Yoga recognizes the ancient practice’s unmatched power to deliver healing, inner peace and physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing. With roots in India but now embraced worldwide by people of all faiths and cultures, yoga unites people with its values of balance, mindfulness and peace with people and planet alike.This year’s theme — “Yoga for Self and Society” — reminds us of yoga’s important role in enhancing people’s lives and the wider community.On this important day, let us all be inspired by yoga’s timeless values and its call for a more peaceful and harmonious future.***UNDPPRESS RELEASE80 percent of people globally want stronger climate action by governments according to UN Development Programme surveyLandmark public opinion research reveals overwhelming majority around the world support more ambitious efforts and want to overcome geopolitical differences to fight climate crisis20 June 2024, New York – The biggest ever standalone public opinion survey on climate change, the Peoples’ Climate Vote 2024, shows 80 percent – or four out of five - people globally want their governments to take stronger action to tackle the climate crisis.Even more - 86 percent - want to see their countries set aside geopolitical differences and work together on climate change. The scale of consensus is especially striking in the current global context of increased conflict and the rise of nationalism.More than 75,000 people speaking 87 different languages across 77 countries were asked 15 questions on climate change for the survey, which was conducted for the UN Development Programme (UNDP) with the University of Oxford, UK and GeoPoll. The questions were designed to help understand how people are experiencing the impacts of climate change and how they want world leaders to respond. The 77 countries polled represent 87 percent of the global population.“The Peoples’ Climate Vote is loud and clear. Global citizens want their leaders to transcend their differences, to act now and to act boldly to fight the climate crisis,” said UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner. “The survey results – unprecedented in their coverage – reveal a level of consensus that is truly astonishing. We urge leaders and policymakers to take note, especially as countries develop their next round of climate action pledges – or ‘nationally determined contributions’ under the Paris Agreement. This is an issue that almost everyone, everywhere, can agree on.”Biggest emitters support stronger climate actionThe survey revealed support for stronger climate action in 20 of the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitters, with majorities ranging from 66 percent of people in the United States and Russia, to 67 percent in Germany, 73 percent in China, 77 percent in South Africa and India, 85 percent in Brazil, 88 percent in Iran and up to 93 percent in Italy.In five big emitters (Australia, Canada, France, Germany and the United States), women were more in favour of strengthening their country’s commitments by 10 to 17 percentage points. This gap was biggest in Germany, where women were 17 percentage points more likely than men to want more climate action (75 percent vs. 58 percent.)Fossil fuel phaseoutAside from a broad call for bolder climate action, the survey shows support by a global majority of 72 percent in favour of a quick transition away from fossil fuels. This is true for countries among the top 10 biggest producers of oil, coal, or gas. This includes majorities ranging from 89 percent in Nigeria to 54 percent of people in the United States.Only 7 percent of people globally said their country should not transition at all.Climate anxietyPeople across the world reported that climate change was on their minds. Globally, 56 percent said they were thinking about it regularly, i.e. daily or weekly, including some 63 percent of those in Least Developed Countries (LDCs).More than half of people globally said they were more worried than last year about climate change (53 percent). The corresponding figure was higher for those in LDCs (59 percent). On average across the nine Small Island Developing States (SIDS) surveyed, as much as 71 percent said they were more worried than last year about climate change.69 percent of people globally said their big decisions like where to live or work were being impacted by climate change. The proportion so affected was higher in LDCs (74 percent), but notably lower in Western and Northern Europe (52 percent) and Northern America (42 percent).Prof. Stephen Fisher, Department of Sociology, University of Oxford, said:“A survey of this size was a huge scientific endeavour. While maintaining rigorous methodology, special efforts were also made to include people from marginalised groups in the poorest parts of the world. This is some of the very highest quality global data on public opinions on climate change available.”Cassie Flynn, Global Director of Climate Change, UNDP, said: “As world leaders decide on the next round of pledges under the Paris Agreement by 2025, these results are undeniable evidence that people everywhere support bold climate action. The Peoples’ Climate Vote has enlisted the voices of people everywhere – including amongst groups traditionally the most difficult to poll. For example, people in nine of the 77 countries surveyed had never before been polled on climate change. The next two years stand as one of the best chances we have as the international community to ensure that warming stays under 1.5°. We stand ready to support policymakers in stepping up their efforts as they develop their climate action plans through our Climate Promise initiative."UNDP’s Climate Promise initiative has seen over 100 developing countries submit enhanced NDCs during the second revision cycle – of which 91 percent raised their targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and 93 percent also strengthened adaptation goals.Full Report: Download the full report here.Media contactsNew York: Victor Garrido Delgado, victor.garrido.delgado@undp.orgGeneva: Sarah Bel, sarah.bel@undp.orgPakistan: Ramsha Nadeem, ramsha.nadeem@undp.orgNotes to EditorsThe Peoples’ Climate Vote 2024 is the second edition of the global survey carried out by UNDP and the University of Oxford. The first Peoples’ Climate Vote took place in 2021 and surveyed people across 50 countries through adverts in popular mobile gaming apps. The polling method for this edition differs from The Peoples’ Climate Vote 2021. Therefore, questions and responses are not comparable across the two reports.The 2024 edition included 15 questions that asked how people’s day-to-day lives are impacted by climate change, how they feel it is being addressed in their countries and what they would like the world to do about it. The results give the most comprehensive public account yet of how people feel and respond to climate change.The University of Oxford team was primarily involved in processing data and producing the statistical output. Polling was conducted by international polling firm, GeoPoll, via randomised mobile telephone calling. Randomisation meant almost everyone with a phone in any country had a chance of participating, whereas, in the previous poll, people needed a broadband connection. No one could opt in without being randomly selected, and no one could participate more than once.The polling results were collated and processed by survey research experts at the University of Oxford, who weighted the sample to make it representative of the age, gender, and education population profiles of the countries in the survey.Over 10 percent (9321 respondents) of the total sample comprised people who never went to school. Of those, 1241 were women over 60 who never went to school. These are some of the very hardest-to-reach groups to poll. People in nine of the 77 countries surveyed had never before been polled on climate change. Under-18s were polled in countries where it was legal and viable to do so.The country-level estimates quoted above have margins of error no larger than + or - 3 percentage points. The margin of error for SIDS and some regions is + or -1, and even lower for big regions and global estimates. Global, regional and LDC figures are overall estimates, which is possible given the high levels of population coverage of those groupings. Figures for SIDS are a population-weighted average over the nine SIDS surveyed.Find out more about the Peoples’ Climate Vote, including the global results, at http://peoplesclimate.vote/.United Nations Development Programme (UNDP):UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.University of Oxford Department of SociologyOxford Sociology is at the forefront of ground-breaking empirical research which spans the full spectrum of the social world. We apply a diverse range of rigorous methods to real-world issues in order to address the most pressing societal challenges of our times. Our commitment to collaborative research ensures that our researchers have the freedom to transcend disciplinary boundaries, foster international partnerships, and explore innovative research. Some of the themes that our researchers are currently working on include social inequality, demography, political sociology, gender and the family, cybercrime and justice, computational social science, and the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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08 November 2022
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