Pakistan’s Progress on SDGs Earns Global Recognition Amid $14 Billion Climate Challenge
A National Meet on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), convened by the SDGs Secretariat, brought together policymakers, international organizations, and provincial representatives to assess Pakistan’s progress and challenges in achieving the 2030 agenda.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly, highlighted the global acknowledgment of Pakistan’s dedication to the SDGs. “We’ve been acknowledged by the UN, China, and other nations for our commitment to the SDGs. Now, it’s time to scale these efforts at the provincial level,” he said.
The meeting addressed the nation’s unique challenges, including climate vulnerability, economic instability, and gender inequality, while underscoring efforts to align development policies with global SDG priorities.
Romina Khurshid Alam, PM’s Coordinator for Climate Change, emphasized the SDGs as Pakistan’s most significant political agenda. She lauded the country’s leadership at international platforms such as COP29 and the V20 group of vulnerable nations. “The Ministry of Climate Change has initiated transformative programs like budget climate tagging and the Green Tech Hub at NUST, fostering innovation in climate-related technologies,” she said.
Bilal Azhar Kayani, Convener of the SDGs Parliamentary Taskforce, celebrated Pakistan’s distinction as the first country to establish a dedicated parliamentary body for the SDGs. He stressed that political commitment is critical to tackling development challenges and achieving national and global targets.
Marriyum Aurangzeb, Punjab’s Senior Minister for Environment and Climate Change, presented the province’s Climate Resilience and Clean Air Action Plan, which includes a Green Master Plan for Lahore and a specialized force to combat smog. “Our focus on low-carbon development and reducing polluted air days is already yielding results,” she noted.
Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), spotlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on Pakistan. Despite contributing less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan faces severe consequences from erratic monsoon patterns, glacial melt, and rising sea levels.
He commended Pakistan’s advocacy at COP27, which resulted in the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund, though the fund remains inactive. “Climate justice demands that the largest polluters bear the responsibility,” Dr. Suleri stressed, adding that Pakistan faces a $14 billion challenge to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2030.
Dr. Samuel Rizk, UNDP’s Resident Representative in Pakistan, warned that decisive action is needed with just five years left to achieve the SDGs. “Addressing existential goals like zero hunger, quality education, and healthcare is imperative,” he said.
He also pointed to Pakistan’s low ranking on the Gender Gap Index, placing 145th out of 146 countries. “Integrating women into the workforce is vital for economic growth,” Dr. Rizk noted, emphasizing that 60% of Pakistan’s population is under 30, offering an opportunity for innovative and inclusive development.
The event concluded with a call for enhanced climate financing, innovative policy actions, and sustained commitment to SDG goals.