Sustainable Development Goals: Minister reiterates commitment to SDGs

Says youth development, women empowerment will transform Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is determined to achieve all the sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030, declared Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan on Thursday.

Speaking at the 39th Governing Council meeting of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Rome, Bosan said the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda would prove to be a milestone for a world free of hunger and malnutrition.

The session was opened by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, said a press release received from Rome.



Bosan highlighted the steps taken by the government of Pakistan for rural development, agricultural development and poverty alleviation.

He elaborated on the agricultural development package worth Rs341 billion announced by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in September last year. The package primarily targeted small landholders and underprivileged farmers.

The minister also enumerated the government’s various other initiatives such as the Plant Breeders Rights Bill and the Seed Amendment Bill.

He spoke about several schemes including the youth skill development programme, youth business loan and the Benazir Income Support Programme.

The minister stated that the government’s agenda for youth development and women empowerment would transform young men and women of Pakistan into a veritable asset.

He praised the IFAD for its contribution in Pakistan over the years and assured the organisation of the support of government of Pakistan. He also asked the IFAD to enhance its activities in the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 19^th,  2016.

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