New York: Pakistan and the United Nations Development Programme have pledged to enhance their cooperation to support the Sustainable Development Goals. The commitment was made during a meeting between Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, and UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting took place in New York, where both officials discussed Pakistan’s development priorities and agreed to strengthen the partnership between Pakistan and the UNDP. Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the partnership and expressed appreciation for the UNDP’s continued support of the country’s national development agenda.

The Minister acknowledged the UNDP’s collaboration with the Ministry of Planning, particularly its efforts in localizing the Sustainable Development Goals through SDG Support Units and its involvement in the 2025 SDGs Policy Dialogue for Action. On his part, UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to enhance institutional mechanisms for implementing the SDGs and reiterated the UNDP’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s sustainable development goals.

Additionally, Minister Iqbal extended an invitation to Alexander De Croo on behalf of the Prime Minister to visit Pakistan. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation at both the country level and UN Headquarters to support Pakistan’s sustainable development objectives.