UN political forum: Ahsan calls for greater global solidarity to achieve SDGs

NEW YORK, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jul, 2026) Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development while calling for stronger global cooperation, climate justice and reforms to the international financial system.

The country's position was reiterated during Pakistan's national statement at the ministerial segment of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters.

Addressing the high-level segment of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the minister said that with only five years remaining until 2030, the world faced growing challenges, including economic shocks, climate disasters, geopolitical tensions and rising debt burdens, which had slowed progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He said Pakistan remained firmly committed to achieving the SDGs through its national transformation plan, URAAN Pakistan, which focused on accelerating economic growth, creating jobs, harnessing technology, strengthening climate resilience, enhancing energy security and ensuring inclusive development that leaves no one behind.

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He added that the government's economic reforms over the past two years had restored macroeconomic stability and strengthened confidence in the economy.

Highlighting Pakistan's vulnerability to climate change, Ahsan Iqbal said the devastating floods of 2022 and 2025 underscored the urgent need to strengthen climate resilience.

He said Pakistan remained committed to ecosystem restoration, water security, clean energy and climate-resilient development.

Referring to the Indus Waters Treaty, he said its unilateral suspension threatened the water security and livelihoods of 240 million Pakistanis and undermined international treaty obligations.

Calling for renewed global partnership, the minister urged reforms to the international financial architecture, greater access to concessional finance, the fulfilment of climate finance commitments, and innovative financing mechanisms to help developing countries build resilience.

He concluded by emphasizing that achieving the SDGs required urgent collective action and stronger international solidarity.