Government and the United Nations Collaborate to Implement the New Urban Agenda in Pakistan

Government and the United Nations Collaborate to Implement the New Urban Agenda in Pakistan

Al-Bab Report

 Cities of Pakistan require immediate attention to absorb unprecedented levels of urbanization; implementation of the New Urban Agenda becomes the key to prosperity.

Islamabad, 31 October 2016 – By 2030, Pakistan’s population is expected to reach 260 million and half of the population will live in urban areas, making cities central to climate action, prosperity, peace, and human rights. On the occasion of World Cities Day 2016 and in light of the recent development of the New Urban Agenda which was adopted at the Habitat III Conference in Quito, Ecuador, on October 20, 2016, high officials from the Ministry of Climate Change and UN-Habitat gathered in Islamabad to discuss prospects of implementing the New Urban Agenda in the country to make Pakistan’s cities habitable and trigger economic prosperity.

Zahid Hamid – Federal Minister for Climate Change, “As the Government of Pakistan’s focal Ministry for urbanization, it is our foremost responsibility to improve the quality of life of residents of the urban areas. Pakistan’s development agenda includes transformation of these areas into creative, eco-friendly, commerce-friendly, sustainable, smart cities through improved city governance, effective urban planning, efficient local mobility infrastructure (mass transit systems) and better security to make urbanization an important driver of growth.”

He further added, “For this purpose, the Ministry of Climate Change and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Pakistan have been working closely on various initiatives related to sustainable urbanization and climate change. These include policy formulation and implementation of climate change vulnerability and adaptation assessments and urban-related initiatives that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs,).  We are now cooperating in preparation of the State of Pakistan Cities Report, which will serve as an important tool for implementation of the New Urban Agenda which was adopted at the Habitat III Conference in Quito, Ecuador, on October 20, 2016.  Together, with other Government agencies at federal, provincial and local levels, and all urban actors and partners, we hope to make Pakistan’s cities and human settlements ‘inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable’ as required by SDG 11.”

Syed Abu Akif - Secretary for Ministry of Climate Change, “This year around the World Cities Day is focusing on inclusive cities and shared development and as Pakistan is facing a rapid increase in urbanisation caused by population growth, urban migration, and refugee influx, which has resulted in the creation and expansion of under-resourced urban settlements, causing unprecedented levels of economic, spatial, social, and infrastructural challenges, and climate change impacts, it requires the attention and support of all sectors. Cities as engines of economic growth also bring prosperity and positive impact if properly managed. Together with UN-Habitat, the Government of Pakistan is making efforts to improve the quality of life of not just the urban poor but also of the broader population living in urban cities through planned urbanization.”

Bella Evidente, Country Programme Manager, UN-Habitat Pakistan – “Within the United Nations system, UN-Habitat is the focal agency for all urbanization and human settlement matters. In Pakistan, the agency emphasizes on improving the lives of the people of by carefully tapping opportunities in harnessing the economic and social potentials of Pakistan’s cities for growth and development and in promoting socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities.

In celebration of the World Cities Day*, UN-Habitat aims to create awareness on the challenges and benefits of sustainable urbanization, promote this year’s theme of “Inclusive Cities, Shared Development”, and highlight the important role of urbanization as a source of global development and social inclusion. Cities and towns have an immense role to play in ending poverty and building inclusive societies that promote participation by all. Their transformation entails better urban governance, planning and design. It also means more investment in adequate and affordable housing, quality infrastructure and basic services. And it means engaging women and girls in making towns and cities safer and more productive for all.

With continued support from the Government of Pakistan and its people, along with UN-Habitat’s excellent partners in development work, I am confident that we contribute to the realization of Sustainable Development Goals and make a better urban future. On World Cities Day, let us renew our resolve to confront urban problems and forge lasting solutions. Together, we can show how success in Pakistan cities inspires change across the world”.   

**The United Nations has designated every 31st of October as World Cities Day. The day is expected to greatly promote the international community's interest in global urbanization, push forward cooperation among countries in meeting opportunities and addressing challenges of urbanization, and contributing to sustainable urban development around the world. This year’s theme promotes inclusive cities through shared development.

MARKINGS–A Premier Show of Contemporary Drawing–Opens Tuesday, Nov 8 2016

MARKINGS–A Premier Show of Contemporary Drawing–Opens Tuesday, Nov 8 2016

Jassim Taqui

This is the show of the year. Don't miss it. Contemporary drawing is very powerful. The contemporary drawing is the foundations of creative activity. It sharpens your observation skills and gives you the basics of drawing. The focus is on the perspective, contours, thumbnail sketching, and shadow. 

The Line is one of the most fundamental art elements employed by artists.  Experiment with charcoal, pen, pastel, watercolor, Conte and other media to explore the power of line and how material choice can affect expression.

Artists sharpen their observation skills by learning to draw from life.  They draw from recreations of the still-life compositions. 

Artists use technical drawings as inspiration, experiment with special materials and methods to come up with their own unique creations.

In contemporary art, “drawing” can mean many types of activity. Artists “draw” with wire and tape, and use unconventional media to create drawings in space. They expand their idea of what drawing can be as we abstract basic drawings, experiment with nontraditional materials, and take inspiration from the work of contemporary artists.

From COP21 to COP22: handing over the French Presidency to Morocco for the upcoming Climate Change Conference

 From COP21 to COP22: handing over the French Presidency to Morocco for the upcoming Climate Change Conference

Al-Bab  Report

H.E. Martine Dorance, Ambassador of France to Pakistan hosted on Monday 31 October a reception to mark the handover of the French Presidency of COP21 to the Moroccan Presidency of COP22, from the Paris Climate Change Conference to the upcoming Marrakesh one which will take place from 7 to 18 November.

The reception was attended by the Chief Guest, federal Minister for Climate Change, Mr. Zahid Hamid, the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Moroccan Embassy and many diplomats, government officials, members of Parliament and representatives from the civil society.

The Ambassador appreciated the government of Pakistan for all the efforts displayed before and after the COP21 and thanked the Pakistani authorities for their constant cooperation on the subject. The awareness on the threats posed by climate change was raising in Pakistan and needed to be stressed, in a country so vulnerable to its effects.

She welcomed the multiple announcements made by the Minister for Climate Change:  the upcoming ratification of the Paris Climate Agreement by Pakistan before the COP22 as well as the upcoming submission of a new national contribution by Pakistan.

The central role of the civil society was also underlined by its Representative, Ambassador Kakakhel. The creation of a Pakistan Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change (CSCCC) after the “Pakistan sey Paris” Forum which had taken place in Lahore in October 2015, was a very positive sign.  The CSCCC is a new platform of like-minded organizations formed with the objective of raising awareness about climate change, strengthening adaptive capacity and fostering partnerships that will contribute towards building resilience and reducing vulnerability in the country. 

This reception was the occasion to take stock of the conclusions of the pre COP22 event “Pakistan se Marrakesh: Framing the Pakistan Agenda for COP22” which took place at the Serena hotel Islamabad on 28^th of October, which aim was to bring legislators, policy makers, civil society and media to discuss the key elements of the Pakistan’s INDC before the next COP. This seminar was attended, among many stakeholders, by Minister Zahid Hamid and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi.

WORLD CITIES DAY

WORLD CITIES DAY

Banki Moon

Al-Bab Report

  Cities are increasingly the home of humanity. They are central to climate action, global prosperity, peace and human rights. More than half of all people live in cities and human settlements, and that proportion is projected to grow to two-thirds by 2050.

To transform our world, we must transform its cities.

Crime, pollution, and poverty are taking their toll on hundreds of millions of city-dwellers. At the same time, urban areas are hubs of energy, innovation, and economic dynamism. By investing in cities, we can advance progress across societies.

          Momentum is building. The recently concluded Habitat III Conference adopted the New Urban Agenda, a vision for cities that are just, safe, accessible, affordable, resilient and sustainable. This marked a milestone in setting global standards for sustainable urban development, sparking new thinking on how we plan, manage and live in cities.

Together with the other new global frameworks and Agendas – the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Agenda for Humanity, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda – this New Urban Agenda will put sustainable urbanization at the centre of our efforts to eliminate poverty and achieve development and prosperity for all. It can also complement the Paris Agreement on climate change.

          Local action is essential to realizing the potential of these global agreements. On World Cities Day, let us renew our resolve to confront urban problems and forge lasting solutions. Together, we can show how success in cities inspires change across the world.

A Bad Woman’s Story

A Bad Woman’s Story

A Translation of Buri Aurat Ki Katha

Kishwar Naheed 
Translated by Durdana Soomro

This book is Kishwar Naheed’s response to those who are quick to label a woman as bad. It is a searing indictment of a society that uses customs, religion, and even brute force to keep women down. She hits out hard and fearlessly at social and political injustices and at the materialism and sham religiosity she sees around her. It is what you would expect of one of Pakistan’s leading feminist poets who is known for her defiance and outspokenness inspite of being born to a conservative family in pre-partition India. Rich in literary, historical, and cultural allusions, A Bad Woman’s Story is written in a punchy, witty style that keeps the reader engaged and entertained throughout the book.

AUTHOR DESCRIPTION

One of the best known feminist poets of Pakistan Kishwar Naheed was born in 1940 in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, India. She moved to Lahore at the time of partition of the subcontinent in 1947.  Her first collection of poetry was published in 1968, followed by a collection of nazms, translations of foreign poetry, and many works in free verse. Her autobiography was published in 1994, and her collected poetic work titled Dasht-i-Qais men Laila was published in 2001. Her poetry has been translated into English and Spanish.

Durdana Soomro is the author of Karachi: Pleasure Gardens of a Raj City (2007) and co-author of Bengal Raag, an account of twins coming of age in Bangladesh in the period leading up to the 1971 war. Born in Dhaka, she spent many years in Amman, Riyadh, Istanbul, and London. Her peripatetic life has led to an interest in languages. She studied Arabic at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, and also speaks French. She has translated the work of prominent Pakistani writers from Urdu to English, some included in the anthology Fault Lines (2008). She lives in Karachi and is an avid golfer.

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The World Claims the US Ends Blockade against Cuba

The World Claims the US Ends Blockade against Cuba
Al-Bab Report

United Nations, Oct 26 (Prensa Latina) The UN General Assembly today takes a stand on another draft resolution calling for the lifting of the US blockade against Cuba, an initiative similar to the one overwhelmingly supported by that forum since 1992.

In a plenary session, the 193 member states of the organization vote in favor, against or abstaining regarding the text, with a full adherence to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, ignored by Washington for more than half century with its economic, commercial and financial siege against Cuba.

The Charter established 71 years ago issues such as the peaceful settlement of disputes, friendship and cooperation among countries, respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal matters.

The draft resolution presented to the Assembly at its 71st Session reflects concern about the extraterritorial component of the blockade -applied by the Helms-Burton Act (1996) - the impact of sanctions on the Cuban people and its validity, despite the rejection of the international community.

This is the twenty-fifth consecutive time that the main deliberative organ of the UN votes a document addressed to end the siege, supported by 191 of the 193 members (only the United States and Israel opposed) in October 2015 .

The initiative acknowledges the progress in relations between Havana and Washington, the visit of US President Barack Obama in Cuba and the willingness to work for the elimination of the blockade, a matter that concerns to the Congress when became a law in 1996 with the Helms-Burton Act.

In addition, the project urges countries to refrain from adopting measures contrary to the UN Charter, and to abolish them as soon as possible if they exist.

Also, the UN Secretary General is asked to prepare a report on the subject for the 72th Session and the General Assembly was requested to include in its provisional agenda.

Cuba insists that while the White House applies economic, commercial and financial sanctions against it, the country will attend the Assembly to demand its dismantling.

During the plenary today, countries have the possibility to intervene as independent nations and on behalf of global and regional bodies to explain their vote and position regarding the blockade.

The Assembly also receives the presentation of a report by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, related to the implementation of the resolution adopted last year with the support of 191 governments and the isolated rejection of the US and Israel.

The document submitted by Ban considers the position of the international community, the United Nations system and other entities on the siege maintained by 10 US presidents.

Almost 160 governments, the European Union, the Holy See and more than 30 organizations sent their criteria to the Secretary General, the vast majority criticizing the unilateral measure, noting its impact and confirming their support to the draft resolution.

Akram Zaki: Strengthen ties with Russia

Akram Zaki: Strengthen ties with Russia

Dr. Jassim Taqui

Pakistan should never compromise the nuclear program. It is the guarantee of the survival of Pakistan. The US administration devised a plan to create a new America by creating a New Middle East. The scheme started in 2006 with the help of India and Israel. The former US National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski added to the scheme the principle of using force to kill people to achieve the scheme.

The former Libyan leader Col. Muammar Al Qaddafi made a deal with America and UK according to which he dismantled his nuclear program. However, he was killed and the Libyan state was disintegrated. By contrast, North Korea made the bomb and threatened to use it. Hence, it survived.

Bashar Al Assad, along with Russia and Iran, is saving Pakistan because he is opposing America’s New Middle East. Pakistan should strengthen its ties with Russia. With strong ties with Russian, the West will respect Pakistan better.

The above were the highlights of the inaugural speech by former Foreign Secretary Akram Zaki. He was the chief guest of One Day conference on “Arms Control, Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and International Security in 2016.” Strategic Vision Institute (SVI), Islamabad, organized the conference. Dr. Zafar Iqbal Cheema, President/ Executive Director of SVI organized and chaired its four sessions during 0900-1620 hrs.

Renowned strategists, scholars, nuclear experts and elites of the twin cities Islamabad-Rawalpindi were in attendance.

Dr. Tughral Yamin elaborated in detail Article VI of NPT.

Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad, Director IR, QAU, presented his perspectives on FMCT.

Ms. Sadia Kazmi, Director Academic, Policy and Program SVI, presented her views on PAROs, Negative Security Assurances and Non-Proliferation issues.

Major(R) Shams Uz Zaman (Independent Analyst) spoke on Nuclear Safety and Security Issues and the Non-Proliferation Regime.

Brig. Dr. Naeem Haider (Independent Analyst) tackled Chemical and Biological Weapons Conventions and Nuclear Terrorism. His emphasis was on the current issues and implications for international security.

Dr. Zafar Khan (Assist. Profess. Department of Strategic Studies, NDU) focused on NSG norms Non-Proliferation Regime; highlighting critical issues and criteria.

Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal (Associate Professor, Department of IR, QAU) viewed the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement with critical analysis of IAEA safeguards and trade with NSG. 

Group Captain Waseem Qutub detailed Pakistan’s nuclear credentials.

Lively Q&A, discussion and remarks by the Chair followed each session.

In the concluding session, SVI Chairperson Mr. Ross Masood Hussain spelled Rapporteur’s recommendations.

Concluding, Dr. Zafar Iqbal Cheema, President/ Executive Director expressed his vote of thanks for the participants and the audience.  

Domestic Resources Dominate Development Finance in Asia

Domestic Resources Dominate Development Finance in Asia

Al-Bab Report

Bangkok, 26 October 2016 The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Asia-Pacific Development Effectiveness Facility (AP-DEF) opened a two-day meeting on aid ahead of the upcoming Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation.

More than 100 government delegates and development experts are exploring how to design integrated national financing frameworks for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Asia-Pacific.

“Domestic sources of finance are emerging as a key driving force for sustainable development in Asia-Pacific,” said Haoliang Xu, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Director for Asia and the Pacific. “These new sources of finance allow us to expand the existing development cooperation and partnership.”

According to a new report released today at the event, domestic public finance accounts for 44 percent of the total and domestic private finance an estimated 45 percent of resources overall.

The new resource landscape is reflected in the increase in the number of middle-income countries in Asia-Pacific from 16 to 28 over the past decade.

While international public finance, particularly official development assistance (ODA), accounted for 13.5 percent of the total financial inflows in the region in 1990, it fell to 3.4 percent in 2012. As a result, countries are designing new financing strategies that mobilize contributions from a wide range of sources, including private sector.

For example, Bangladesh aims for private financing to fund 78 percent of its 7^th Five Year Plan that commenced last year.

“The transformation of development finance translates into increased demand for our services from governments in Asia-Pacific,” said Xu. “Our portfolio of government co-financed programs quadrupled over the past two years.”

The volume of UNDP’s government co-financed portfolio in Asia-Pacific is now at US$116 million, according to a new report“Together for a Sustainable Future: Achieving the SDGs through Government Co-Financing in Asia and the Pacific.” Currently, UNDP and governments have co-financing agreements in 14 countries.

However, ODA continues to be significant, particularly in small island developing states. In Kiribati and Solomon Islands, ODA accounts for over 30 percent of total financing, in Tuvalu it accounts for more than half.

Discussions at the workshop are intended to inform the upcoming Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation (GPEDC) meeting in Nairobi, Kenya this November.

Lincoln Reading Lounge opens at the National Library of Pakistan

Lincoln Reading Lounge opens at the National Library of Pakistan

Al-Bab Report

Islamabad, October 25, 2016 -- Ambassador David Hale and Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Minister of State for Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD), inaugurated the newly renovated Lincoln Reading Lounge (LRL) at the National Library of Pakistan. The corner was remodeled to create a contemporary and comfortable space with added resources for the use of the general public. The new corner provides free access to books, magazines, videos, tech bar, e-books, and eLibraryUSA. Visitors can access a large collection of databases, scholarly journals, e-books, newspaper articles, and multimedia content through eLibraryUSA. In collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, the corner will organize monthly programs for visitors focusing on English language learning, EducationUSA resources, U.S. alumni and cultural programs, and information about the United States. 

“The American Embassy is proud to work with the National Library of Pakistan to open this beautiful Lincoln Reading Lounge,” Ambassador Hale said.  “This project, and others like it, reflect the value both our countries attach to education.”  He added, “This lounge will provide students, researchers, and the public increased opportunities for interaction and collaboration, as well as access to 21st-century creative technology and the internet.”

The Lincoln Reading Lounge (LRL) at the National Library of Pakistan, Islamabad was re-opened following renovation on Tuesday, 25 October 2016.  First established in 2007, LRL is a partnership project between the National Library of Pakistan and the Embassy of the United States of America in Islamabad.

The U.S. Embassy Islamabad runs a network of 18 Lincoln Corners across Pakistan. A Lincoln Corner is a resource center and event space hosted in partnership with Pakistani institutions – in public libraries, universities, and cultural centers – that provides a platform for open dialogue between Pakistanis and Americans, promotes mutual understanding and strengthens people-to-people ties through various programs. LRL is one of these 18 Lincoln Corners.  The Lincoln Corners’ programs and resources attract students, academics, journalists, researchers and Pakistani youth.

The Indian Unsafeguarded Nuclear Program

The Indian Unsafeguarded Nuclear Program

Dr. Jassim Taqui

The ISSI organized a book-launching function titled, “Indian Unsafeguarded Nuclear Program- An assessment.” The book was a research project conducted by four young researchers namely, Adeela Azam, Ahmad Khan, Sayed Muhammad Ali and Sameer Ali Khan.

Presenting the book, Khalid Mehmood, Chairman ISSI highlighted the main features of the research. Mehmood stated that the research proved that Indian was expanding its nuclear arsenal to play a global role. He commended the researchers for relying on Indian and international data as the primary sources of the research.

In this regard, Mehmood regretted that the US administration helped India to become a member of NSG despite the fact that it violated the NPT regime while the application of Pakistan to the membership of NSG had been sidelined. This had been done despite the fact that Pakistan had put its nuclear program for peaceful use of energy under IAEA,

Mehmood pointed out that India rejected all Pakistan’s effort on jointly signing NPT; an indication suggesting that New Delhi was contemplating another nuclear test.

Dr. A H Nayyer, a nuclear physicist, gave an overview of the book. He stated that the research touched four major areas of the Indian 

unsafeguarded Program, namely, i. Uranium sources and production, ii. Uranium enrichment, iii. Nuclear reactors, and iv. Reprocessing plants.

Dr. Ansar Pervez, a nuclear physicist, stated that India had the ambition to play a greater role in international politics. Therefore, it is building its nuclear program, especially when India is projected to be the third economic power in 2028, after the US and China.

All the three speakers pointed out some weak points of the arguments due to relying on some unauthentic data. They called for rectifying this deficiency in the next edition of the book. 

United Nations in Pakistan Celebrates 71 Years Of Promoting Peace, Prosperity And Equality For All

United Nations in Pakistan Celebrates 71 Years Of Promoting Peace, Prosperity And Equality For All 

Al-Bab Report

Islamabad, 24 October 2016 – The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, in his UN Day message said that “Humanity has entered the era of sustainability – with a global commitment to fulfill the great promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  In this, the Organization’s 71st year, we have 17 goals to propel us towards a better future for all on a healthy planet.”

The UN Family in Pakistan is made of 22 UN agencies, funds, and programs, operating together to deliver development and humanitarian results. Each element of the “One UN Programme” in Pakistan promotes sustainable human development, social equity and rights for all.

In his Welcome Address at the UN Day Staff Celebration, Neil Buhne, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator of the United Nations in Pakistan, said that, “As we celebrate 71 years of the UN, we should be proud of what the UN Pakistan team has contributed to, in Pakistan,  but it is also vital that we learn from what we were not able to do. As we look forward let us help Pakistanis realize the opportunity there are to transform their lives over the next 15 years. In doing this, it is right that the UN places a special focus on Pakistan’s youth. Quality education, good health, gainful employment and meaningful engagement are the key drivers which will empower the country’s young, rapidly urbanizing population as they enter the labor market and find their voices within their communities. Bringing to the fore the energy and creativity of 60% of the population who are under the age of 30 is a unique opportunity to raise living standards nationwide, and to make Pakistan's development equitable and sustainable.”

On this UN day, the United Nations renewed its commitment to the people of Pakistan to work together in responding to the crisis, support recovery from disasters and rebuild communities, and to champion equitable and inclusive development. A tribute was also presented to honor all staff members who had lost their lives in the line of duty.

"In Pakistan, our aim is to work with all partners to achieve inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development for all the citizens of this country, with principled efforts to reach the most vulnerable, both today and in the future,” said Neil Buhne.

Photo exhibition on sustainable development goals launched

Photo exhibition on sustainable development goals launched

Al-Bab Report

As part of celebrations of the UN Day on October 24, a photo exhibition was launched at Lok Virsa in Islamabad on Monday that looks at the lives of Pakistani people through the lens of UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Jointly developed by Agence France-Presse (AFP), the European Union and the United Nations with support from the Embassy of France in Pakistan and UK Aid, the exhibition comprises 102 photos from all over Pakistan, organized in 17 collections, according to the Sustainable Development Goals. It aims to raise awareness about SDGs and UN's efforts for development in Pakistan and will remain open for public untilNovember 21.

Sartaj Aziz, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs inaugurated the exhibition. Martine Dorance, Ambassador of France to Pakistan, Jean-François Cautain, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, Neil Buhne, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Amélie Herenstein, Bureau Chief Pakistan and Afghanistan for AFP and Vittorio Cammarota, Director of United Nations Information Centre were also present on the occasion.

“This exhibition reflects beautifully the diversity of Pakistan, but it also visualizes the common humanity and spirit of all people here. The UN team in Pakistan hopes through its own diversity and through support to the sustainable development goals, to help all Pakistanis meet their own shared goals,” said Resident Coordinator of the UN Neil Buhne.

“It is a great honor for AFP Pakistan to present, for the first time, our photos directly to the Pakistani public," said Amélie Herenstein. "We have deliberately chosen to focus on the human angle of the story, showing the reality of life as it is now for millions of Pakistanis, be they shopkeepers, teachers, farmers, children, or immigrants abroad. It also documents the extraordinary resilience of ordinary Pakistanis in the face of tragic events like floods,” she added.

"In Pakistan, the EU has been for many years working closely with the Government, the private sector and the civil society to tackle the challenges the country faces. We will continue this strong partnership, in cooperation with the United Nations, ensuring that our assistance contributes to Pakistan achieving the SDGs for the benefit of each citizen of this country," said the EU Ambassador Jean-François Cautain.

"The Sustainable Development Goals are the global blueprint of development for the next 15 years," said Vittorio Cammarota, Director of the UN Information Centre in Islamabad. "These powerful images will, hopefully, enhance awareness of Pakistan’s development priorities and inspire Pakistani citizens to take action," he added.

The Sustainable Development Goals represent a common agenda, adopted by the world leaders to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change by 2030. These 17 goals comprise 169 targets which focus on economic inequality, innovation, climate change, sustainable consumption, peace and justice, among others. Promotion and raising awareness about SDGs is a top priority for UN system in Pakistan.

United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being.

Innovators 2K16 B2B meeting & Business Clinic for SMEs and start-ups held at ICCI under UNIDO/GCIP Pakistan Programme

Innovators 2K16 B2B meeting & Business Clinic for SMEs and start-ups held at ICCI under UNIDO/GCIP Pakistan Programme

Al-Bab Report

Islamabad (24-10-2016): A business clinic was held by UNIDO in collaboration with Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry for providing training to SMEs and start-up businesses who have been declared as semi-finalists under Global Cleantech Innovation Program (GCIP) Call for Awards 2016.

The GEF funded initiative was part of a three years Global Cleantech Innovation Program (GCIP), currently running in ten countries including Pakistan and is aimed at developing a sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem by supporting clean technology innovations in SMEs and start-up businesses so that they could maximize opportunities for achieving sustainable commercial success, in the third cycle of this competition Pakistan got the highest number of applications among all other countries which shows the potential and talent in clean technology of Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shahina Waheed, National Programme Coordinator, Global Cleantech Innovation Programme said,  I am very hopeful that today’s Business Clinic must have been very helpful in improving your worksheets of Cleantech, which are imperative not only for this competition but will also equip these aspiring entrepreneurs much needed knowledge and information to  help in their entrepreneurship venture.

Also she offered her commendations to the Semi Finalist teams, and further elaborated that for UNIDO, all of those teams who have qualified for Semifinalist stage are winners and we will keep providing different services to them like trainings, incubation service and others.  And I am hopeful that this Cleantech Programme will help them a lot in accelerating their business and will take their Cleantech idea to new heights.

She thanked participating teams and also the management of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the arrangement of this event and said that she is hopeful that in future UNIDO and ICCI would do many projects together for the development and support of businesses.

At this business clinic, renowned business mentor Mr. Tauseef Zaman, technical mentor from NPO; Mr. Aftab Khan, the other technical mentor from PCRET Mr. Nadeem Zakir were also there to guide the participating teams.   All the teams got their business plan vetted from business and technical point of view by these mentors and vowed to work hard to bring a Cleantech revolution in Pakistan thereby creating more job opportunities and lesser carbon emissions.