Pakistan has reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with international development partners, including the United Nations, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and create a sustainable, resilient future. This commitment was highlighted by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, during a meeting with a UN delegation led by Resident Coordinator Mohammed Yahya in Islamabad.
The discussions focused on several critical issues, including debt management, debt restructuring, climate financing, Pakistan’s transition to green energy, and progress towards the SDGs. The meeting was also attended by key UN representatives, such as UNICEF’s Abdullah Fadil, UN Resident Coordinator Office’s Afke Bootsman, and UNFPA’s Dr. Luay Shabaneh.
Minister Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of technical support from development partners to design and implement projects that meet international monitoring and reporting standards. He also highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing collaboration with the World Bank, especially in the areas of population management and addressing learning poverty through the 10-year Country Partnership Framework.
Providing an update on Pakistan’s economic situation, the Minister pointed out positive trends in key economic indicators and reaffirmed the government’s focus on export- and productivity-driven growth to avoid past boom-and-bust cycles. He also emphasized the private sector’s essential role in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The meeting also explored avenues for increasing climate financing and advancing green energy projects, crucial for Pakistan’s transition to a more sustainable energy future. Additionally, discussions included equipping Pakistan’s youth with entrepreneurial skills to drive long-term economic development.
