NEW YORK: During the SDG Summit held on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly, global leaders gathered to discuss the urgent need to accelerate efforts in implementing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Iraq and Pakistan actively participated in the discussions, emphasizing the importance of collective action to achieve these critical goals. However, both nations called upon developed economies to enhance their commitment and support in this endeavour.
Pakistan, represented by its caretaker prime minister at the summit, urged wealthier nations to provide increased financing to address worsening poverty, food insecurity, and debt distress. The prime minister emphasized the significance of financial assistance in achieving the SDGs, especially in the face of the growing challenges. Looking ahead, Pakistan announced its intent to advocate for climate justice, seeking $100 billion in climate finance from developed partners during COP28.
Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, the representative from Pakistan, criticized the current international system, describing it as “morally bankrupt.” He emphasized the need for the creation of special drawing rights (SDRs) directly linked to SDG targets, rather than relying solely on the traditional SDRs offered via the International Monetary Fund. This proposal aims to ensure a more direct and targeted approach to achieving the SDGs.
The IMF’s existing SDRs are based on a basket of five major currencies: the British pound, the Chinese renminbi, the euro, the Japanese yen, and the US dollar. However, developing countries, including Pakistan, argue for a link between SDRs and the attainment of SDG targets, aligning financial resources with the goals set for sustainable development.
In a collective effort to reiterate their commitment to the SDGs, the SDG Summit submitted a political declaration to the UNGA, urging the international community to redouble efforts toward achieving the 17 SDGs. These goals encompass a broad spectrum of objectives, including the eradication of hunger and poverty, as well as addressing climate change.
Following Pakistan’s address, the Iraqi Prime Minister, Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, echoed the sentiment and welcomed the summit’s adoption of the political declaration. Al-Sudani emphasized that achieving the SDGs is a national mission and a humanitarian duty for Iraq, despite the multifaceted challenges faced by the nation. He emphasized the need to work closely with all partners to enhance progress in implementation, highlighting the severe drought in Iraq and the critical importance of addressing the sixth goal related to water, given its direct impact on the nation’s circumstances. Iraq remains dedicated to addressing all SDGs, with a special focus on water-related initiatives to mitigate the severe drought conditions and their repercussions on the population.
