Shazia Marri meets World Bank’s Regional Head of Social Protection Nicole Klingen at WB Headquarters

WASHINGTON, July 19 (SABAH): Ms. Shazia Atta Marri, the Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety & Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme held a meeting with Ms. Nicole Klingen, World Bank’s Regional Head of Social Protection & Acting Director and Practice Manager for Digital Development in Europe and Central Asia in the Infrastructure Practice Group, at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC.

Ms. Marri briefed Ms. Klingen about the social protection initiatives of Benazir Income Support Progarmme in Pakistan. She expressed her appreciation for the Bank’s support to Benazir Income Support Programme and acknowledged World Bank as an important development partner working closely with BISP right from its inception in 2008-09.

Ms. Shazia Marri further apprised her that through financial support and technical assistance to talented youth of low income groups, the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund has helped to create opportunities for economic growth and social upliftment. She said that this initiative aims to empower individuals and communities and enabling them to improve their livelihood. She said that supporting talented youth in building digital businesses is helping to foster entrepreneurship and innovation which is essential for economic progress of low-income groups.

The two sides reached an agreement to collaborate in sustainable way to promote the digital economy by providing guidance, training and financial assistance to young entrepreneurs needed to build a vibrant digital ecosystem in Pakistan. This indicates a recognition of the potential of digital technologies and their role in driving economic growth and reducing poverty. By leveraging digital solutions, such as digital payments and e-commerce, they can facilitate financial inclusion and improve access to opportunities for marginalized communities of Pakistan.