In a momentous event set to take center stage at the United Nations General Assembly’s 78th session, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar is gearing up to deliver a compelling address on September 22. Kakar, representing Pakistan on the international stage, will advocate for global solidarity and concerted efforts to assist developing nations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations. This significant occasion marks a pivotal opportunity for world leaders to unite in the pursuit of a more sustainable and equitable future.
Prime Minister’s UN Sojourn
On September 18, Prime Minister Kakar is expected to touch down in the bustling metropolis of New York, where the heart of international diplomacy beats. He will be greeted with anticipation as he prepares to grace the UN General Assembly with his powerful rhetoric on September 22. His brief but impactful stay in the city will culminate with his departure on September 23, but the echoes of his message are expected to reverberate far beyond his physical presence.
 Call to Action on SDGs
During his visit, Prime Minister Kakar will not only address the General Assembly but also partake in a critical SDG summit hosted at the UN headquarters. This summit, convened by the United Nations, is scheduled to unfold on September 18-19, coinciding with the high-level week of the General Assembly. Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s envoy to the UN, emphasized that the crux of the Prime Minister’s message will revolve around the mobilization of finance for SDGs. This call for action resonates strongly in the context of the current global landscape.
Addressing the Funding Gap
Recent statements from UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscore the urgency of addressing the funding gap for SDGs. Before the pandemic, this gap stood at $2.5 trillion, but the ongoing global challenges have exacerbated the situation, pushing the estimated shortfall to a staggering $4.2 trillion. In a tweet, Guterres minced no words, urging world leaders attending the 78th UNGA to set aside posturing and positioning, emphasizing that this is a time for practical solutions and unity.
Mobilizing Private Sector Finance
Prime Minister Kakar’s commitment to the SDGs extends beyond rhetoric. He will also play a prominent role at a summit focused on financing for development, where he will advocate for the mobilization of private sector finance as a critical driver of sustainable development. In a world where government resources alone may not suffice, engaging the private sector becomes pivotal in bridging the financial gap and accelerating progress toward the SDGs.
Pakistan’s Own SDG Endeavors
During his address to the General Assembly, Prime Minister Kakar is poised to shed light on Pakistan’s relentless efforts to achieve the SDGs within its own borders. Pakistan, like many other developing nations, faces unique challenges in this regard, but the government remains resolute in its commitment to leaving no one behind and fostering a more sustainable future for all its citizens.
As the world anticipates Prime Minister Kakar’s address at the UN General Assembly and his involvement in the critical SDG and financing summits, the international community is reminded of the urgent need for collective action. The SDGs represent a shared vision for a better world, and Kakar’s presence at the global stage serves as a rallying call for world leaders to come together, set aside indifference and indecision, and forge a path toward tangible solutions in the pursuit of a more sustainable and equitable world.
