Ayesha Rafiq
During the Sustainable Development Summit on September 25, 2015, member states of the United Nations unanimously adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This agenda encompasses 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at eradicating poverty, addressing inequality and injustice, and combating climate change by 2030.
Referred to as the Global Goals, the SDGs constitute a universal call to action, striving to eliminate poverty, safeguard the planet, and ensure universal peace and prosperity. These goals extend and enhance the scope of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), encompassing new areas such as climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, peace, and justice. Interconnectedness is a key feature, where success in one goal often involves addressing issues associated with another.
The SDGs operate on principles of partnership and pragmatism, guiding nations to make sustainable choices that enhance life for present and future generations. They provide explicit guidelines and targets for countries to adopt based on their individual priorities and global environmental challenges. An inclusive agenda, the SDGs address the root causes of poverty, fostering collaboration to bring about positive changes for both people and the planet. The commitment to leaving no one behind is central to the 2030 Agenda, with poverty eradication as its core focus.
This commitment represents a bold initiative to address pressing global challenges. The interconnectedness of all 17 goals means that success in one area significantly impacts success in others. For instance, effectively managing natural resources hinges on addressing climate change, achieving gender equality and better health contributes to poverty eradication, and promoting peace and inclusive societies reduces inequalities, fostering prosperous economies. In essence, the SDGs present a unique opportunity to enhance the quality of life for future generations.
In a world grappling with multifaceted challenges, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) stand as a beacon, illuminating a path towards a future where humanity and the planet coexist harmoniously. Among the global champions in this noble pursuit is Pakistan, emerging not only as a nation determined to meet these goals but as a testament to the transformative power of collective dedication.
Pakistan, a thriving country in South Asia, has embraced the SDGs with unwavering commitment. Recognizing the interconnectedness of global challenges, the nation has strategically aligned its policies to address issues ranging from poverty eradication to environmental sustainability. This commitment extends beyond its borders, fostering a sense of shared responsibility in the international community.
In 2016, Pakistan affirmed its dedication to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by adopting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as its own national development agenda, as evidenced by a unanimous National Assembly Resolution. Subsequently, the country has demonstrated substantial advancements by integrating these goals into national policies and strategies, establishing an institutional framework for SDGs implementation at federal and provincial levels. SDG support units have been instituted in collaboration with planning institutions such as the Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives and Provincial Planning and Development Departments to guide and monitor SDGs progress. A National SDGs Framework, outlining a national vision for prioritizing and localizing SDGs, was crafted and approved by the Government in 2018. Efforts are underway to formulate localized provincial SDG Frameworks. The government’s focal points include incorporating SDGs into planning processes, ensuring robust monitoring and reporting, aligning public financial allocations with SDGs, exploring alternate financing modalities, and leveraging technology for expediting progress towards SDGs.
In the realm of poverty eradication, Pakistan has implemented targeted social welfare programs, vocational training initiatives, and microfinance schemes. These efforts foster inclusive economic growth, reducing income disparities and aligning with the broader SDG agenda.
Environmental sustainability is a key focus, with Pakistan investing in renewable energy projects, afforestation campaigns, and sustainable agriculture practices. This proactive stance not only mitigates the impacts of climate change but also ensures responsible resource use in line with the SDGs.
Education is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s strategy, with policies aimed at enhancing school infrastructure, increasing teacher training, and promoting inclusivity. This commitment aligns with the SDG goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable education for all.
Healthcare access is being strengthened through expanded infrastructure, vaccination campaigns, and disease prevention programs, contributing to the SDG agenda of promoting well-being and ensuring healthy lives.
Gender equality remains a priority, with Pakistan implementing policies to empower women socially and economically. Initiatives to enhance women’s participation in the workforce, address gender-based violence, and promote equal opportunities align with SDG 5’s vision of achieving gender equality.
The Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives (MoP&SI) has established a dedicated SDGs Section at the federal level to serve as a monitoring and coordinating entity. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is collaborating with the MoP&SI, Government of Pakistan, to localize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the application of the UNDG MAPS approach. This collaboration focuses on four key project outputs:
1. Mainstreaming SDGs in Plans, Policies, and Resource Allocation aligned with the 2030 Agenda.
2. Strengthening capacities for monitoring, reporting, and evaluating progress on SDGs.
3. Increasing alignment of financing flows with the 2030 Agenda.
4. Applying innovative approaches to accelerate progress on priority SDGs.
Innovation and technology play a crucial role in Pakistan’s approach, fostering a culture of innovation to address various challenges related to sustainable development. Leveraging technology in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education underscores the nation’s commitment to embracing advancements for positive change.
Throughout its history, Pakistan has grappled with economic stability issues, reflected in a lower ranking than its regional peers on the SDGs global index. Despite this, progress is evident, with a commitment to achieving SDG targets by 2030. Objectives include establishing a socio-economic system to end poverty and addressing issues such as hunger, malnutrition, and the lack of sustainable energy production. Despite a decline in the SDG index over the past four years, Pakistan continues making strides, reducing poverty and multi-dimensional poverty, launching the Ehsaas program for social protection, and making improvements in health indicators and education, including efforts to eliminate gender disparities.
Despite progress, challenges persist in financing SDGs in a slow-growth economic environment, addressing knowledge and technology gaps, and enhancing governance. The path to sustainable development is complex when undertaken alone, as seen in Pakistan’s development hampered by fluctuating foreign investment, trade, and development assistance levels. Global partnerships are crucial, encompassing elements like development assistance aid, debt relief, trade agreements, and foreign funding. Building robust partnerships prioritizing integration through cooperation is essential for Pakistan to achieve its SDGs. Additionally, strong institutions are needed to transform the country’s current business trajectory.
Collaboration with international organizations and partnerships with the private sector are integral to Pakistan’s strategy. By engaging in global initiatives and leveraging external expertise and resources, the nation seeks to amplify the impact of its efforts, highlighting the interconnected and collaborative nature of achieving the SDGs.
In this resolute commitment towards sustainable development, Pakistan stands not as a passive observer but as an active protagonist, steering the narrative towards a brighter future. As the nation continues to navigate the intricate web of global challenges, it beckons the world to join hands in the pursuit of a future where no one is left behind. Pakistan’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of collective dedication, echoing a melody of hope, resilience, and determination that inspires nations worldwide to harmonize their efforts for a more sustainable and equitable world.—Writer Ayesha Rafiq is student of Peace and Conflict Studies at NDU and Intern at Kashmir Institute of International Relations
