Shazia Marri spotlights Pakistan’s progress on sustainable development goals at HLPF 2023

ISLAMABAD, July 21 (SABAH): The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development side witnessed an insightful address by Ms Shazia Atta Marri, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) and Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety of Pakistan. The topic of discussion was the crucial role of Parliaments in accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In her speech, Shazia Marri highlighted the significant contribution of the National Assembly of Pakistan in supporting the aspirations of Agenda 2030. Pakistan became the first country to adopt the SDGs as its national development goals in 2016 through a resolution passed by the National Assembly. The establishment of a state-of-the-art parliamentary SDGs secretariat and taskforces at the national and provincial levels has been instrumental in closely monitoring progress on the SDGs. The Parliament has passed essential legislations related to quality education, decent work and economic growth, peace, justice, and strong institutions, as well as laws concerning the protection of children and women.

The Federal Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Young Parliamentarians Forum, SDGs Taskforce, and Parliamentary Child Rights Caucus have played vital roles in strengthening public-private partnerships and addressing specific areas of concern. The National Assembly’s initiatives have spurred the Government of Pakistan to prioritize the SDGs agenda, leading to the implementation of various programs aimed at ending poverty and promoting inclusive development.

Despite challenges such as limited fiscal capacity, data collection and availability, and climate change impacts, Pakistan has demonstrated its commitment to the SDGs by submitting two Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and releasing its first SDGs Status Report in 2021.

Shazia Marri emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges and opportunities for Parliaments and Governments to focus on resilient and sustainable development. She highlighted the importance of embedding accountability mechanisms within legal frameworks, promoting digital transformation, and supporting skill development and entrepreneurship.

The HLPF discussions were aimed to foster global collaboration and commitment towards achieving the SDGs, with Pakistan’s initiatives serving as an inspiration for other nations to address poverty, ensure healthy lives, and promote wellbeing for all.