Pakistan calls for global efforts to reduce poverty, vulnerability

Pakistan says efforts must be made by global governments to reduce poverty and vulnerability by promoting efficient labour markets.

Sania Nishtar, special assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on social protection and poverty alleviation made the call during a virtual high-level side event on the sidelines of the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development.

“There is need for a Global Government-to-Government Community of Practice on Social Protection.

“An Inflection Point on Social Protection,” a virtual high-level side event on the sidelines of the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development.

“Its global nature means that it would be open to any country around the world, hence opening the doors of learning to everyone, strengthening ongoing exchanges, and connecting countries facing similar quandaries.

“Governments would be at the centre of the initiative and be given the opportunity to directly tap knowledge and tap expertise in other fellow countries, from frontline responders to higher-level policymakers,’’ she said.

Nishtar represented Pakistan at the HLPF and highlighted the benefits reached to the masses through the country’s largest social protection program of Ehsaas.

“Investing in social protection is both a response to current needs as well as preparedness and insurance against future crises.

“We are humbled that through Pakistan’s social protection program, Ehsaas, led by our prime minister, strong acceleration towards this goal is underway,’’ she told another in-person HLPF meeting on Wednesday.

The HLPF session, which ends on July 16 , was convened by the UN’s Economic and Social Council under the presidency of Pakistan, and Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, Munir Akram.

Akram is the current president of the council.