Islamabad: In a significant move to enhance private sector involvement in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a high-level delegation from the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization Office for Pakistan, met with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, Mohamed Yahya. The meeting focused on presenting initiatives and developing strategies to integrate SDG attainment within the private sector’s operational frameworks.
According to Employers’ Federation of Pakistan, the delegation highlighted the establishment of the Pakistan Business Task Force (PBTF) under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). A three-year roadmap was presented, aiming to bolster private sector engagement in realizing the sustainable development agenda.
EFP also showcased a comprehensive report that outlined its efforts over the past five years to promote Fair Work and Social Equity in Pakistan. This report detailed various initiatives aimed at fostering social justice, ensuring decent work, and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in creating a conducive business environment that aligns with international standards.
Mohamed Yahya, the UN Resident Coordinator, praised EFP’s proactive role and underscored the pivotal contribution of the private sector in achieving the SDGs. Yahya emphasized the importance of continual evaluation and monitoring of the Task Force’s progress and expressed his full support for EFP’s initiatives. He advocated for enhanced private sector engagement, especially in areas such as Gender Equality, Climate Change, and Business and Human Rights.
Further discussions touched on the importance of maintaining Pakistan’s GSP+ status, particularly for the textile sector, which is crucial for the country’s economy. Yahya urged the Task Force and EFP to advocate for government policies that facilitate compliance with international standards, highlighting environmental diligence and support for SMEs.
Malik Tahir Javaid, President of EFP, described the constitution of the PBTF under the UNSDCF as a coalition of key stakeholders dedicated to driving the achievement of the SDGs. “The Task Force will serve as a powerful collective force, bringing together all important stakeholders to steer the private sector towards a sustainable future,” he stated.
Geir Tonstoel, ILO Country Director for Pakistan, acknowledged the PBTF as an essential platform for promoting SDGs and Business and Human Rights in Pakistan. He emphasized the need for tripartite stakeholders to engage in social dialogue, critical for establishing a favorable policy and regulatory framework that enables sustainable business practices.
Syed Hasnain Mazher, Director of EFP, highlighted the critical role of skills development and capacity building, particularly for SMEs, to help them integrate and sustain the Sustainability Agenda within their operations.
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from all parties to continue their collaborative efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on creating an enabling environment for businesses to flourish while adhering to global standards and promoting social equity.