Islamabad: In a significant step towards bolstering disaster resilience, over 100 government officers, including 30% women, received specialized training in monitoring and evaluation for post-disaster recovery. These training sessions, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in conjunction with the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development and KfW Development Bank, took place in Quetta and Karachi, targeting key departments from the Sindh and Balochistan governments.
According to United Nations Development Programme, the workshops were held on August 19-20 in Quetta and September 10 in Karachi. They focused on various aspects of the Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Framework, financial management, low-emission housing concepts, and enhancing transparency in reconstruction efforts. Participants engaged in presentations, group discussions, and strategy sessions led by senior experts.
Secretary P and D of Balochistan, Mr. Sher Shah Ghilzai, at the Quetta workshop, underscored the critical nature of these training sessions for ensuring transparency and accountability in reconstruction efforts, especially following the devastating floods of 2022. He emphasized the importance of strengthening monitoring and evaluation frameworks to empower local communities and build long-term resilience against future disasters.
Mir Murad Baluch, Honorary Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Balochistan, expressed a steadfast commitment to rebuilding efforts. He highlighted the collaborative efforts under the UNDP’s flagship Flood Recovery Programme, which involves support from Germany, the international community, and local governments to ensure effective and sustainable reconstruction.
In Sindh, Secretary Planning Mr. Jawed Sibghatullah Mahar remarked on the successful completion of the workshop, noting its role in significantly enhancing government capacities for post-flood recovery. He pointed out that Sindh bore the brunt of the 2022 floods with 70% of the $30 billion damages, emphasizing the importance of the skills acquired during the training for effective project implementation.
The training also addressed the unique needs of women, integrating their perspectives into the recovery process and empowering them to participate actively in decision-making. This approach ensures an inclusive and equitable recovery for flood-affected communities.
Mr. Hisashi Izumi, Flood Recovery Programme Manager at UNDP, expressed gratitude for the active participation and partnership in the workshops. He stressed the importance of improved data management and community engagement in driving effective flood recovery efforts.
These workshops are integral to the Flood Reconstruction and Coordination Programme under UNDP’s broader Flood Recovery Programme, which aims to strengthen institutional capacities, promote equitable fund distribution, and enhance citizen engagement across the provinces.