New york: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, despite facing numerous challenges. He shared these insights during his address at the General Debate of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development Ministerial Segment in New York.

According to Radio Pakistan, Ishaq Dar emphasized that with only five years left until 2030, a mere 35% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are currently on track. He noted that the compounded effects of the pandemic, as well as crises related to food, fuel, and finance, alongside intensifying climate impacts, have reversed important development gains and increased inequalities.

Dar highlighted that Pakistan's national development strategies, such as Uraan Pakistan, are closely aligned with the SDGs. He also mentioned the country's social protection initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Programme and Benazir Nashonuma, which are designed to ensure inclusivity.

To tap into the potential of the youth, the government has launched the Digital Youth Hub and is expanding access to quality education through initiatives such as Danish Schools and new university campuses. In addressing climate change, Pakistan aims to scale up climate action by targeting 60% renewable energy by 2030 and enhancing resilience through initiatives like Recharge Pakistan and the Living Indus.

Dar further elaborated on the government's macroeconomic reforms aimed at stabilizing the fiscal outlook and making the investment climate more attractive. The Special Investment Facilitation Council is actively channeling direct foreign investment into priority sectors. However, he stressed that national efforts need to be supported by international reforms of the financial architecture to successfully implement the SDGs. Developing countries require increased access to concessional resources, debt relief, and climate finance to bridge the SDG Financing Gap.

The Deputy Prime Minister also mentioned the Compromiso de Seville, adopted at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, as a roadmap for these efforts, urging for its immediate implementation.