United Nations in Pakistan

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

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Publication

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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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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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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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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Press Release

04 November 2024

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 1 November 2024

UNICEF Statement on attack in Mastung, Balochistan, PakistanIslamabad, November 1, 2024: UNICEF condemns the heinous attack in Mastung today which has reportedly claimed the lives of at least five children, and left 17 people injured, many of whom are school children. UNICEF offers its heartfelt condolences to all the families affected by this terrible event and wishes the injured a swift recovery. Children were attending the nearby school when the explosive device was detonated.Violence in or around education establishments and health facilities is never acceptable. Schools should be safe, protective spaces for children to learn, be with friends, and gain the skills they need for their future. No parent should send their child to school in the morning, not knowing if they will return home later that day. Children and adolescents are not, and must never be, the target of violence. Their safety and protection must be ensured at all times and their fundamental rights must be upheld. Going to school should never be an act of courage. UNICEF calls for an end to this senseless violence and for the safety and protection of all children to be ensured.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: For more information, please contact:Abdul Sami Malik, UNICEF Pakistan, +92-300-855-6654, asmalik@unicef.org

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Press Release

30 October 2024

Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 30 Oct 2024

THE SECRETARY-GENERALMESSAGE FOR WORLD CITIES DAY“Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalyzing Local Action for Urban Sustainability”31 October 2024On this World Cities Day, we recognize the role of young people in driving climate action and shaping urban futures.With more than half of the world’s population and 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, cities are at the forefront of the climate crisis. And they need the energy and vision of youth leading the charge for change.From grassroots movements to innovation labs, young people are pushing for ambitious climate action. They are championing renewable energy integration, green jobs, clean public transportation, and climate adaptation measures – contributing to shape sustainable cities where everyone can thrive.We must amplify their voices, invest in their ideas, and promote their meaningful participation in urban decision-making. By empowering young people, we can accelerate climate action and drive global progress for the Sustainable Development Goals.As we mark World Cities Day, let us celebrate the power of youth to build green, resilient and inclusive cities that meet the needs and aspirations of future generations. UNDPPRESS RELEASEPre-COP29 Dialogue in Islamabad highlights national and subnational perspectives ahead of COP29Islamabad, 29 October 2024 — The Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change (CSCCC), in cooperation with the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) and with support from UNDP Pakistan, convened a comprehensive day-long dialogue titled “Pre-COP29 Dialogue: National and Subnational Perspectives,” as part of its preparations for COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.The event brought together representatives from the national and subnational governments, international organizations, multilateral development banks, experts, academia, civil society, and media to explore the complexities and challenges surrounding two key COP29 pillars: enhancing ambition and enabling action, with a strong emphasis on climate finance.In her keynote address, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, reaffirmed Pakistan’s call for a reformed Global Financial Architecture to support vulnerable countries. “The needs of developing countries range from $400 billion to $1 trillion, and this finance must flow from the Global North to the Global South,” she stated. The Additional Secretary (In-charge) of MoCC&EC, Ms. Aisha Humera Chaudhry, also provided insights into Pakistan’s strategies for the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 3.0 and the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) in the lead-up to COP29, outlining the ministry’s commitment to aligning national ambitions to these international goals. She further shared details of the 30+ events planned by Pakistan at COP29.Former Minister for Climate Change, Senator Ms. Sherry Rehman, emphasized that Pakistan needs a focused, goal-oriented agenda for COP29. “We cannot afford to approach COP29 with ‘business as usual.’ Instead, Pakistan should build alliances with like-minded partners such as the G77+China to hold developed countries accountable for their emissions and to secure the financing commitments that developing countries need,” she urged.The event also featured three focused panel discussions, allowing experts and policymakers to delve deeper into Pakistan’s climate priorities and strategies for COP29.UNDP Pakistan’s Resident Representative Dr. Samuel Rizk praised Pakistan’s initial NDC commitments, while highlighting the current global financing challenges. “In this climate of shrinking finance, the world needs multilateral solidarity more than ever to push for bold, accelerated action,” he noted, emphasizing that civil society organizations are instrumental in supporting global climate solidarity from the grassroots level.In his keynote, Dr. Ishrat Hussain, Former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, underscored the dual imperative of climate action and economic development. “Failing to execute a climate change agenda could have devastating effects on the global economy, but climate action also represents a unique opportunity for sustainable growth,” he said. He also stressed that climate finance must support poverty reduction and development, with effective governance and strong institutional structures as crucial for achieving these goals.A detailed policy brief highlighting the key policy recommendations from the dialogue will be released and shared with government stakeholders to guide Pakistan’s climate action strategies ahead of COP29.
For additional information, please contact Fizza Bangash at fizza.bangash@undp.org or +92 (51) 835 5631 About UNDP:UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.Learn more at undp.org.

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