ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pakistan and the Government of Japan have inked an agreement worth $3.9 million to launch a project “for the stabilization and economic recovery via social cohesion, local governance, and livelihood opportunities” for people of Kurram and Orakzai districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The agreement was signed here Wednesday by Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Mitsuhiro Wada, and Resident Representative, UNDP in Pakistan, Knut Ostby.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad, the Economic Affairs Division, Planning, and Development Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Youth, women to be given priority
The two-year project, with the support of Japan, will assist more than 200,000 individuals, giving priority to youth and women.
The project will use innovative and new approaches to engage youth in policy dialogues and sports and cultural activities for social interconnection and trust building.
Employment chances via digital skills, training
Employment opportunities will also be provided to 1,300 youth through digital skills and training. Meanwhile, community organizations will involve in the planning process and rehabilitation of 50 community physical infrastructure projects.
To strengthen governance at the local level thirty-five offices will be constructed for village councils. Two common facility centers for women entrepreneurs will also be operationalized.
The announced project is aligned with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) development agenda with an aim to build trust between the local communities and government and promote sustainable livelihoods.
Improving livelihood of people of erstwhile FATA
Having his say on the project, Additional Secretary Planning and Development Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Qaiser Khan said that his government is strongly dedicated to the sustainable development of the merged districts while adding that his government appreciated the continued support provided by the Government of Japan for improving the livelihood of the people of the erstwhile FATA.
Meanwhile, Samar Ihsan, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, said that the Government of Pakistan shows full commitment to working with UNDP and the Government of Japan. He added that the entire militancy-hit tribal belt has been severely affected by the two decades of insecurity and the subsequent effects and giving focus on the merged area is important for durable peace and prosperity.
UNDP Improve social cohesion, local governance
In his speech, Ambassador of Japan Mitsuhiro Wada mentioned that this project would not only help in recovery and income generation but also improve social cohesion and local governance to ensure the sustainability of the outcomes.
He added that Japan and UNDP have a long-standing friendly partnership. He also appreciated UNDP’s tireless effort and dedication to achieving sustainable and comprehensive development in Pakistan.
Speaking on occasion, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan Mr. Knut Ostby said that he is grateful to the Government of Japan for their long-lasting partnership with UNDP. He added that it is due to their generous support, making the government of Japan is able to expand and strengthen the efforts of the Government of Pakistan while adding that this liaison is crucial for achieving stability and sustainable development in the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with a far-reaching effect with the rest of the country.
During the last five years, the Government of Japan has made a considerable contribution of more than US$24 million with the assistance of UNDP in key areas of social cohesion, livelihoods, empowerment of youth, climate change adaptation, electoral and legislative processes, and the rule of law and justice in Pakistan.–APP
