Ahsan Iqbal Urges Greater Global Solidarity to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals at UN Political Forum

Islamabad, July 14: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal has reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, calling for enhanced global solidarity, climate justice, and comprehensive reforms to the international financial system to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Delivering Pakistan’s national statement at the ministerial segment of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters, the minister highlighted the mounting global challenges that continue to hinder sustainable development. Addressing the high-level segment of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), he noted that with only five years remaining until the 2030 deadline, economic instability, climate-related disasters, geopolitical tensions, and rising debt burdens have significantly slowed global progress on the SDGs.

Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan remains firmly committed to implementing the SDGs through its national transformation framework, URAAN Pakistan, which aims to accelerate economic growth, generate employment opportunities, harness technological innovation, strengthen climate resilience, enhance energy security, and ensure inclusive and equitable development.

He also highlighted the government’s economic reforms over the past two years, saying they had helped restore macroeconomic stability, improve investor confidence, and lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth.

Drawing attention to Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, the minister recalled the devastating floods of 2022 and 2025, stressing the urgent need for greater investment in climate adaptation and resilience. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to ecosystem restoration, water security, clean energy, and climate-resilient development.

Referring to the Indus Waters Treaty, Ahsan Iqbal said its unilateral suspension poses serious risks to the water security and livelihoods of over 240 million Pakistanis while undermining international treaty obligations.

Concluding his address, the minister called for reforms in the global financial architecture, greater access to concessional financing, fulfilment of international climate finance commitments, and innovative funding mechanisms to support developing countries. He emphasized that achieving the SDGs will require urgent collective action, stronger international partnerships, and sustained global solidarity.