ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Nations Children’s Fund have reiterated their resolve to further strengthen cooperation for sustainable development.
The resolve was expressed during a meeting between UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Pernille Ironside and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad on Monday.
During the meeting, the Finance Minister appreciated the technical support and knowledge transfer provided by UNICEF in Pakistan.
He highlighted that climate change and population growth are the two existential challenges to Pakistan.
Highlighting the Country Partnership Framework signed with the World Bank, he noted that nearly two-thirds of the two billion dollars expected every year under the program over the next ten years would be directed toward addressing population-related challenges.
Muhammad Aurangzeb stressed the need for greater coordination in identifying priority areas and projects requiring interventions, and in providing technical support and capacity building to the relevant ministries. He emphasized the importance of effective coordination between federal and provincial governments for the operationalization of such projects.
In her remarks, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan Pernille Ironside said that UNICEF is actively working with relevant ministries and stakeholders across a broad range of sectors, with a particular focus on child care and girls’ education. She also discussed avenues for further strengthening UNICEF’s role and contribution in Pakistan.
Both sides reiterated their resolve to continue working together to address challenges faced by children and communities in Pakistan.
