According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, more than $9 billion has been pledged to help Pakistan recover from the worst floods in its history, which hit the country last year. The announcement came after the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan, which was co-hosted by the government of Pakistan and the UN on Monday in Geneva.
The Secretary-General stated in a tweet: “At today’s conference, more than $9 billion was pledged in support of Pakistan’s flood recovery efforts. I am thankful to the international community for this demonstration of solidarity in action.”
He also urged the international community to reaffirm its solidarity with Pakistan and support the country’s reconstruction during a press conference here.
“Go to Pakistan if you have any doubts about climate loss and damage. There has been a loss. There is damage, and you will witness our shared future.”
A combination of heavy rains and riverine, urban, and flash flooding caused an unprecedented natural disaster in Pakistan in the summer of 2022. According to official figures, the floods affected 33 million people, claiming over 1,730 lives and affecting two million housing units. The country’s poverty rate is expected to rise steadily, pushing another 9.1 million people below the poverty line.
During a press conference, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that his government has prepared a comprehensive framework plan for Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction (4RF).
“The first section of the 4RF plan reflects the priorities for recovery and reconstruction, with a minimum funding requirement of $16.3 billion, half of which is proposed to be met from domestic resources and the other half from our development partners,” he added.
