UNITED NATIONS: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal met with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Alexander De Croo in New York on Tuesday to discuss Pakistan’s development priorities and ways to strengthen long-standing cooperation on sustainable development, climate resilience and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During the meeting, the minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its partnership with the UNDP and appreciated the organisation’s continued support in advancing the country’s national development agenda.
Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan’s development strategy is centred on the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, which focuses on five key areas: exports, digitalisation, environment, energy and equity.
He acknowledged the UNDP’s support for localising the SDGs through SDG Support Units and its contribution to the 2025 SDGs Policy Dialogue for Action.
The two sides also discussed Pakistan’s SDG Plus Programme, which aims to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals through stronger provincial ownership and improved implementation at the local level.
The minister noted that the National Economic Council had decided to conduct quarterly reviews of provincial performance on key social indicators, recognising the provinces’ central role in delivering human development services.
UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo welcomed Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen institutional mechanisms for SDG implementation and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the country’s sustainable development agenda.
Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan’s development efforts continue to face challenges due to heavy debt-servicing obligations and limited fiscal space. He expressed hope that the UNDP would continue supporting Pakistan in mobilising development and climate financing through SDG-aligned investment initiatives.
Highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters, the minister appreciated the UNDP’s support during the 2022 floods, including its role in recovery efforts, the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan, and implementation of the Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Framework (4RF).
He stressed the need to expand cooperation in building long-term climate resilience through Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) projects, poverty reduction initiatives and employment generation programmes.
The minister also acknowledged the UNDP’s continued presence in Pakistan despite financial constraints but expressed concern over the decline in the agency’s core funding, saying ongoing reforms within the UN development system should strengthen support for programme countries.
He emphasised that the UNDP’s core development mandate should remain strong and aligned with Pakistan’s national priorities.
Welcoming the upcoming visit of Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon, who previously served as a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, Ahsan Iqbal expressed confidence that the visit would draw greater international attention to Pakistan’s development priorities. He also extended an invitation to Alexander De Croo on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation at the country level and within the United Nations system to support Pakistan’s sustainable development goals.
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