UN to assist Pakistan close financing gap for SDGs
The United Nations (UN) has
reaffirmed its commitment to assist Pakistan in closing its financing gap to
fast-track progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This
pledge was made by UN Resident Coordinator Mohamed Yahya during a meeting with
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday.
Yahya emphasized the UN’s readiness
to collaborate closely with the Pakistani government to mobilize the necessary
resources and technical expertise. "We recognize the financing challenges
many nations face and are dedicated to ensuring that no one is left behind. Our
focus is not only on securing funding but also on strengthening national systems
for sustainable development," Yahya said.
Minister Iqbal welcomed the UN's
support, stressing that Pakistan is committed to achieving the SDGs,
particularly those focused on food security and child nutrition. "The SDGs
are central to our national development strategy. With the UN’s help, we can
accelerate progress, especially on urgent issues like improving food security
and reducing child stunting," Iqbal stated.
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Iqbal highlighted the pressing issue
of food insecurity, noting that 38% of children in Pakistan suffer from
stunting due to inadequate nutrition. "This is not just a health crisis
but a developmental emergency," he remarked, emphasizing the need for
urgent action. He pointed out that other countries in the region had
successfully addressed this challenge decades ago, and Pakistan must prioritize
it.
The minister’s comments underscored
the importance of partnerships to combat malnutrition and food insecurity,
particularly among children and vulnerable groups. Stunting not only impacts
physical and cognitive development but also limits a child’s future
contribution to society.
The UN expressed its full support
for Pakistan’s efforts, committing to assist in mobilizing the resources and
expertise required to tackle nutrition challenges and achieve related SDG
targets.
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The meeting was attended by senior
officials from the Planning Commission, including Saima Bashir, Member for
Social Sector, and Aly Kemal, Chief of SDGs.
Source: Business Recorder