NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar emphasized Pakistan’s steadfast dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance economic stability and broaden educational opportunities.
Addressing the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) Ministerial Segment in New York, Ishaq Dar pointed out that only five years remain until 2030, and currently, just 35% of SDGs are progressing as planned. He attributed this slowdown to setbacks caused by the pandemic, food and fuel crises, financial instability, and escalating climate change impacts, which have reversed development gains and increased inequalities worldwide.
He outlined Pakistan’s key initiatives, such as the Benazir Income Support Programme, Digital Youth Hub, and the goal to achieve 60% renewable energy capacity by 2030. The Foreign Minister called for urgent global financial reforms to provide developing nations with concessional funding, debt relief, and climate finance, emphasizing the importance of implementing the Compromiso de Seville roadmap immediately.
“Despite these obstacles, Pakistan remains fully committed to realizing the 2030 Agenda. Our national development plans, including Uraan Pakistan (Take-Off Pakistan), are aligned with the SDGs,” he stated.
He highlighted social protection programs like the Benazir Income Support Programme and Benazir Nashonuma (Child Growth Programs), designed to ensure no one is left behind. To unlock the potential of young people, Pakistan has launched the Digital Youth Hub and is expanding access to quality education through Danish Schools and new university campuses.
On climate action, Dar announced efforts to reach 60% renewable energy by 2030 and improve resilience through initiatives such as Recharge Pakistan and the Living Indus project. He noted that Pakistan’s revised nationally determined contribution (NDC) is nearing completion.
The Foreign Minister also discussed macroeconomic reforms aimed at stabilizing Pakistan’s fiscal situation and attracting investment, including the work of the Special Investment Facilitation Council to promote foreign direct investment in priority sectors.
He stressed that national efforts alone are insufficient and called for comprehensive reform of the international financial system to support SDG achievement. Specifically, he urged developed countries to increase access to concessional and grant resources, provide meaningful debt relief, and scale up climate finance to bridge the SDG financing gap.
Finally, as the UN celebrates its 80th anniversary, he highlighted the UN80 initiative as a vital opportunity to re-evaluate and strengthen the UN’s core pillars and renew global commitment towards the timely achievement of the SDGs.
