Statement by Mr. Haseeb Gohar, Third Secretary Pakistan Mission to the United Nations during an informal meeting with UNICEF on Country Programme Negotiations (June 09 2017)

Excellencies, Co-Chairs, and Distinguished Delegates a very good morning to all,

At the outset, let me thank Ms. Jean Gough, Regional Director for South Asia and Mr. Mr. Olav Kjorvan, Director, Public Partnership, UNICEF for convening this meeting for taking stock on the progress on the draft UNICEF Country Programme Document(s) pertaining to four countries from South Asia.

My delegation also appreciates the work of Ms. Angela Kearney and her team for their excellent work.

Despite challenges, the Government of Pakistan firmly committed to meet the ambitious 2030 agenda, with its 17 sustainable development goals and 169 targets seeks to end extreme poverty, equitably promote prosperity and well-being for the world’s peoples including children.

On the education front, the Government of Pakistan with landmark 18th Amendment adopted to provide free and compulsory education to all children of age from five to sixteen. Similarly, on plight of status of women, the government established National Commission on Status of Women for emancipation of women rights. The government has promulgated numerous legislations for the improvement of right of women.

The newly adopted QCPR resolution also renews its commitment and its efforts to implement 2030 agenda for sustainable development goals in a coherent and integrated manner in line with mandates of the entities of the United Nations Development System.

Co-Chairs,

We fully appreciate UNICEF’s long standing contribution to the protection and development of Children. We also acknowledge UNICEF’s cooperation with Pakistani agencies and entities on ongoing projects for improving water quality and sanitation in schools, reducing maternal and infant formality rate, improving child nutrition and combating infectious diseases.

My delegation sees drafting of UNICEF Country Programme for Pakistan to be aligned with the following parameters:

  1. The proposed developmental projects be aligned with Pakistan’s Vision 2025 and such initiatives must be in conformity with national plans, needs and priorities and respecting national ownership as reflected in QCPR 2016;
  2. The draft document should aim on poverty alleviation, education for all children and the attainment of other related SDGs;
  3. The organization should hold annual reviews with the Government of Pakistan to take stock of progress; and
  4. The lessons learned from the past practice and its application in the draft document.

We will share our detailed views and comments on this document separately to the organization.

Pakistan will continue to work closely with the UNICEF on all these important aspects.

Thank you.