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Madam Chairperson,
I congratulate you and the distinguished members of your team on election to the Bureau of the Third Committee. We are confident that, under your able stewardship, the Committee would be able to achieve its assigned tasks in a cooperative and congenial atmosphere.
We also appreciate Secretary General’s background reports on Social Development, Ageing, Disability, and Literacy for Life.
My delegation associates itself with the statement delivered by Bolivia on behalf of G-77 and China.
Madam Chairperson,
As emphasized by the 52nd Session of the Commission on Social Development, empowerment of people is a key enabler in the process of poverty eradication and social integration. Once empowered, individuals can become agents of change in advancing inclusive and sustainable development goals. The Secretary General’s report has amplified the key elements of empowerment strategy. Strengthening capacities of people to participate; building democratic, inclusive and accountable institutions; impartial justice systems; respect for human rights; and elimination of discriminatory policies are essential for building inclusive and peaceful societies. The success of social development policies also depends, to a great extent, on maintaining a robust economic growth, maximizing employment opportunities and making appropriate investments in social protection schemes.
Madam Chairperson,
Pakistan is committed to realizing the objectives of the Copenhagen Summit to build a just and prosperous society for all its citizens without any discrimination. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has put socio-economic development at the heart of his Government’s national agenda. Education, health services, microfinance and skill development are central components of the new social development policy. The National Plan of Action on Education aims to achieve 91% net primary enrolment and to increase Gender Parity to 0.95. The emphasis of the plan is on increasing enrolments, decreasing drop-outs and improving the quality of education through use of new technologies. Budgetary allocation for education has been raised to 2% of the GDP and the Prime Minister has committed to further increase it to 4% of GDP by 2018.
Madam Chairperson,
Pakistan is passing through a demographic transition, marked by rapid expansion in the youth population. Nearly 68% of Pakistan’s population is under the age of 30. The Government considers this “youth bulge” as a great asset. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has initiated several landmark programmes to provide microfinance and job training to deserving young entrepreneurs for starting their own jobs and businesses. Steps have also been taken for political empowerment of youth, through participation in Youth Parliament and other representative mechanisms. The Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth, Mr. Ahmad Al-Hindawi had a useful visit to Pakistan in June this year. He held meetings with political leaders and youth representatives of Pakistan on issues pertaining to youth empowerment and development.
Madam Chairperson,
Respect and reverence for the elderly is part and parcel of our socio-cultural ethos. The strong institution of family provides the bedrock for care and protection of the senior citizens. This notwithstanding, the Government of Pakistan has taken a number of steps to address the growing needs of its over 11.6 million senior citizens. These include pensions, insurance, old-age benefit schemes and special discounts in railways and airfares. A draft Senior Citizen Bill, which comprehensively covers the rights and needs of senior citizens, is presently under consideration of the Government.
Madam Chairperson,
With regard to the rights and special needs of Disabled Persons, the Government of Pakistan has taken several steps to enable and ensure their equal participation in the society. Pakistan is a state party to the CRPD. The Government has adopted a national policy to provide full support of the government, private sector and civil society to persons with disabilities. Disabled Persons Ordinance of 1981 has reserved a special quota for disabled persons in public sector jobs. Special schools, vocational institutes and medical centers have been established which cater to the needs of people with disabilities. The Government also provides financial assistance and essential equipment to families with disabled persons.
In concluding Madam Chairperson, let me reassure that Pakistan remains fully committed to realizing the objectives of the Copenhagen Summit. Pakistan shares the Secretary General’s vision on pursuing an empowerment-driven social development policy to bring the vulnerable and marginalized groups in the mainstream of socio-economic development.
I thank you.