PM Imran to address ECOSOC forum today

Prime Minister Imran Khan will deliver the opening statement at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Forum on Financing for Development (FfD) on Monday (today).

“The forum will be held from 12-15 April under Pakistan’s presidency of ECOSOC,” read a statement issued by the foreign affairs ministry on Sunday. The 4-day FfD Forum will be presided over by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Munir Akram.

The objective of the forum is to mobilise adequate financial support to enable the developing countries to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the climate objectives.

The special high-level segment of the ECOSOC forum is being held in response to a decision of the UN General Assembly.

Also read: Imran unfolds road-map for recovery from Covid

“In his address, the PM will call on the international community to take bold and urgent decisions to respond to the challenges posed by the Covid crisis, achievement of the SDGs, and climate solutions,” it read.

There are high expectations from the FFD forum, it read, adding that ten heads of state/government and 50 ministers will participate in the special segment, which will be inaugurated by PM Imran.

The Forum envisages six panel discussions revolving around the themes of resilient recovery, recurrent debt crises, pandemic response and recovery, liquidity for vulnerable countries, and a climate resistant future. Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Dr Jehanzeb Khan will also participate as a panelist.

An investment fair is being organised virtually on the sidelines of the FfD Forum. Four countries, including Pakistan, will present specific sustainable development projects at the fair. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will introduce Pakistan's investment opportunities and projects to the investors at the fair.