Collaborative efforts urged for effective implementation of SDGs

Islamabad

Collaborative efforts were urged for effective implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Pakistan here at a dialogue on Strengthening Civic Engagements for the Implementation of SDGs in Pakistan jointly organised by Awaz CDS Pakistan, Inter University Consortium for the Promotion of Social Sciences (IUCPSS), Centre for Policy Studies, CIVICUS, AGNA and Pakistan Development Alliance at Comsats Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) Islamabad.

The event was organised in connection with international civil society week for active citizens for sustainable development. The event was attended by representatives of social sector, academia and young scholars who delivered their thoughts on the implementation mechanisms regarding SDGs.

In her welcome remarks, head of CIIT Centre for Policy Studies, Ambassador Fauzia Nasreen said that through close coordination among government, academia, civil society and private sector, Pakistan could meet all its international obligations.

Sharing the background and objectives of the dialogue, National Coordinator Pakistan Development Alliance and CEO Awaz CDs, Zia ur Rehman said that SDGs were approved in the UN General Assembly in September 2015 with the objective to transform the economies and societies of developing countries with a view to eliminating poverty by 2030.

Inter University Consortium National Coordinator Murtaza Noor highlighted the role of youth in achieving SDGs. He stressed upon curriculum revision, promotion of civic education through culture of dialogues, seminars, and close academia, community and policy makers linkages for sustainable development in the country.

In his concluding remarks, member Social Sector Planning Commission of Pakistan, Dr. Naeem uz Zafar shared priorities and steps of Planning Commission of Pakistan for effective implementation of SDGs. He said that the federal government was fully aware of the fact that SDGs provide an opportunity for strengthening inclusive and sustainable development in Pakistan.  He informed that 17 SDGs and 7 pillars under Vision 2025 are quite aligned to one another. Realizing the importance of SDGs, implementation unit has already been established at Planning Commission of Pakistan, he added.

On the occasion, Suhail Awan -- Executive Director Human Resource Development Network, Sheeba Farooq  Centre for Policy Studies, Asma Kiran -- CARE International and Javed Zafar, Advisor CIIT also spoke of the occasion and responded  to the questions of the participants.

The participants were also of the view that local governments are vital partners to the implementation of SDGs and essential for promoting inclusive sustainable development at the grassroots level.