UN Pakistan and Tabadlab have organized a high-level dialogue focused on finding effective ways to finance Pakistan’s sustainable development future. The event aimed to address the country’s challenging balance between debt management and investing in climate initiatives, by bringing together key voices from policy, economics, climate science, and youth leadership.
During the event, Navid Hanif, Assistant Secretary-General for the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, provided valuable insights on the Sevilla Commitment—a global initiative for financing sustainable development—and explored strategies for unlocking climate and development finance for Pakistan. He highlighted the critical pathways needed to mobilize both domestic and international resources.
Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, stressed the urgent need for Pakistan to transition from managing debt distress towards implementing a green transition. She called for practical reforms and investment in climate-resilient development while ensuring financial stability.
The dialogue fostered collaboration among policymakers, economists, environmental experts, and youth advocates, all emphasizing the importance of concrete action rather than discussion alone. Participants agreed on the need for innovative solutions to bridge the financing gap that lies at the intersection of Pakistan’s debt obligations and climate commitments, signalling a collective commitment to translating dialogue into measurable progress.
