United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and South Punjab Secretariat on Monday launched two landmark reports detailing existing socio-economic situation and development requirements of South Punjab providing a foundation for data-driven and evidence based policies and plans for area’s regional development, and driving an initial Rs 400 million investment to achieve development goals.
A Rs 400 million plan has been drawn up to achieve the goals of sustainable development, poverty alleviation, increase in literacy rate and clean drinking water supply in south Punjab and goals have been set in collaboration with south Punjab secretariat and UNDP, says Additional chief secretary south Punjab Captain (retired) Saqib Zafar after he along with UNDP Pakistan Mission Resident Representative Mr. Knut Ostby launched the reports at the local circuit house.
District SDGs Profiles and South Punjab SDGs Indicators Reports were finalized under a flagship initiative of UNDP Pakistan’s Punjab SDGs Unit, and developed in collaboration with the Planning & Development Department, South Punjab, says a release issued by UNDP.
The South Punjab SDGs Indicators Report is the first report of its kind providing a regional focus that will help formulate data-driven and evidence-based policies and plans for South Punjab’s regional development. The District SDGs Profiles Report is also an important step in localizing the SDGs Agenda 2030 at the district level. These comprehensive yet concise District SDGs Profiles will serve as an important policy guidance tool for district administrations to achieve SDGs within their respective districts.
“UNDP Pakistan, through its Punjab SDGs Unit values the strategic partnership it has developed with the South Punjab Secretariat. Given the long-standing regional disparities and high rates of poverty, we are committed to the regional development of South Punjab through evidence-based policymaking.—APP
