Islamabad: In a compelling appeal at the “SDG Moment 2024” panel during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged developed countries to assist developing nations in overcoming debt challenges exacerbated by climate change-induced disasters.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the severe economic impacts of the 2022 flooding in Pakistan, a direct result of climate change, which caused an estimated 30 billion in damages. He emphasized the disproportionate contribution of developed nations to global carbon emissions and called for their increased responsibility in aiding developing countries.

The Prime Minister also addressed significant educational challenges within Pakistan, noting that 25 million children are currently out of school. He outlined his government’s efforts to rectify this, including the establishment of the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund, which supports high-achieving, economically disadvantaged students in obtaining education both domestically and internationally. He praised the success of Daanish Schools in providing quality education to talented, underprivileged, and orphaned children, and mentioned ongoing initiatives to integrate vocational training into educational institutions.

On terrorism, Sharif detailed the severe consequences faced by Pakistan post-9/11, with losses including 80,000 Pakistani lives and $150 billion due to terrorism stemming from across the border.