Unicef pledges cooperation for sustainable uplift

Islamabad: Pakistan and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund on Monday announced their resolve to strengthen cooperation in pursuit of sustainable development.

The announcement came after a meeting between finance minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Unicef’s Representative in Pakistan Pernille Ironside here. The minister appreciated the technical assistance and knowledge transfer extended by Unicef in Pakistan.

He underlined that climate change and population growth remain the two most pressing existential challenges for the country. Referring to the Country Partnership Framework signed with the World Bank, he pointed out that almost two-thirds of the $two billion expected annually under the programme over the next decade will be dedicated to addressing population-related challenges.

Aurangzeb emphasised the importance of greater coordination in identifying priority areas and projects that require focused interventions, as well as in providing technical support and capacity building to the relevant ministries.

He also stressed that effective collaboration between the federal and provincial governments would be crucial for the successful implementation of such initiatives. The Unicef’s country representative said that the organisation was working closely with the concerned ministries.