SDGs are not just ambitious goals but practical tools to guide countries in building resilient economies, conserving ecosystems, and securing a quality life for current and future generations, stated Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Musadik Masood Malik chairing a high-level meeting with a five-member delegation of UNDP-Pakistan. UNDP-Pakistan's delegation was led by country representative Samuel Rizk, who briefed the minister on various aspects of SDG goals and Pakistan’s progress on different goals, particularly climate change, environment, education, health, gender equality.

The minister said, “The SDGs provide a clear framework to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequality. There is a dire need of integrated efforts across all sectors to ensure meaningful progress. The collaboration of relevant government offices, civil society, private sector, academia, and international partners is essential to achieve the SDGs”.

He said that Pakistan, as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, stands at a crucial juncture. Investments in clean energy, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable urban development, and ecosystem restoration are key priorities to drive sustainable growth and enhance resilience to climate shocks.

Secretary Climate Change & Environmental Coordination Ministry, Aisha Humera Moriani briefed the meeting about various initiatives being implemented by the ministry in support with different national and international organisations aimed at achieving SDG goals, particularly climate change, water, health and environment.

“The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination is working closely with national and international partners to align climate strategies with the SDG agenda, ensuring that development efforts are not only environmentally sound but also socially equitable,” the Secretary Aisha Humera Moriani remarked.

Both sides also discussed various future initiatives related to agriculture, waste-to-energy, renewable energy, Transportation, green industry and agreed to boost collaboration in these areas for achieving Pakistan’s environmental sustainability and climate resilience goals.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)