Islamabad: First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari emphasized the importance of bolstering Pakistan’s collaboration with the United Nations in a meeting with Mr. Mohamed Yahya, the UN Resident Coordinator, and representatives from various UN agencies at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The discussions highlighted national development priorities, climate resilience, and public health initiatives.

According to Press Information Department, the First Lady expressed Pakistan’s appreciation for the UN’s role in supporting the country’s development and articulated a desire to enhance cooperation, particularly in areas such as public health, sustainable development goals, and climate change. The meeting underscored the significance of the UN’s longstanding presence in Pakistan and its commitment to advancing these priorities.

Health initiatives, including polio eradication, were a focal point of the discussion, with the First Lady reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to a polio-free future. The briefing also addressed the pressing issues of malnutrition and stunting among children, highlighting the Benazir Nashonuma Programme’s role in improving maternal and child health outcomes.

The First Lady also addressed women’s health, girls’ education, and economic participation, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to enhance opportunities for women. Climate change was identified as a critical challenge, with references to past flood events and ongoing recovery efforts.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation from Mr. Yahya of the UN’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s development priorities through sustained cooperation with national institutions and stakeholders.