Rebuilding flood affected areas of Pakistan in a resilient way needs $16 billion & far more will be needed in the longer term: Antonio Guterres
GENEVA, Jan 09 (SABAH): United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has assured that the United Nations will support the recovery and reconstruction in Pakistan after devastating floods. He said that rebuilding flood affected areas of Pakistan in a resilient way needs $16 billion and far more will be needed in the longer term. He said that this conference is the first step on its longer journey towards recovery and reconstruction in Pakistan, United Nations will be there for long hands, the world must be too, and at every step we will be inspired by endurance and generosity of the people of Pakistan in this critical and colossal mission.
Addressing the inaugural session of the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan in Geneva on Monday, Antonio Guterres asked the world to must be there for this purpose as this conference is the first step of longer journey towards recovery and reconstruction in Pakistan.
The UN Secretary General said every step taken by the international community will be inspired by the endurance and generosity of the people of Pakistan in this critical and colossal vision.
He said for decades, I have privileged to witness generosity and resilience of the people of Pakistan. From earthquakes and floods to years of relentless terrorist attacks, to geo-political nightmare like war in Afghanistan that left millions fleeing people crossing to Pakistani borders, the trend continues today, the giving spirit of the Pakistani people has shown bright.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said helping neighbours with food, water and shelter, I have seen Pakistani community helping after refugees despite limited sources.
He said terrifying falls of water that killed more than one thousand seven hundred people, injured thousands of other and inflicted loss of more than thirty three billion dollars.
Antonio Guterres said the flood submerged one thirds of the country, killed over 1,700 people, injured thousands more and affected more than 33 million, displacing 8 million people.
Antonio Guterres said the floods swept over roads acres agriculture lands and damaged and destroyed two million homes and it pushed back 9 million people to the brink of poverty.
He said we need to be honest about the loss and damage suffered by the developing countries because of climate change particularly in Pakistan.
He said the devastation from the climate change is real and the developing countries are least responsible of the climate disaster.
The UN Secretary General said Pakistan which represents less than one percent global emissions, did not cause the climate crisis.
He said countering the climate crisis needs massive support and we must deliver on our commitments to redouble our finances.
He said that Pakistan has doubly victimized by climate chaos and the morally bankrupt global financial system, that system routinely denies middle income countries and debt relief and concessional funding needed to invest in resilience against natural disasters, adding that we need to create ways for the developing countries to access debt relief and concessional financing when the needed it the most.
In his video message to the conference, French President Emmanuel Macron assured Pakistan of his country’s full support to overcome the catastrophic situation. He said France will also support Pakistan financially.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in his video statement, said that Turkiye is in contact with Pakistan’s authorities and reaffirmed his country’s support to Pakistan in this hour of the need. He expressed the hope that Pakistan soon will overcome the situation.
Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr also reiterated his government’s resolve to support the flood victims of Pakistan.
President of European Union Commission Ursula von der Leyen, in her remarks, said that European Union will continue to assist Pakistan in this crisis.
She said EU’s support for reconstruction is five hundred million Euros.
She said Pakistan and EU have also agreed an 87 million Euro package in line with Global Gateway strategy.
President of European Union Commission said EU is stepping up its humanitarian assistance with an additional ten million Euros.
Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Switzerland, Ignazio Cassis called for implementing the framework presented by Pakistan to address this difficult situation.