Iqbal seeks global collaboration for development

Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, on Friday, stressed the importance of aligning national strategies with global objectives, fostering regional and international collaboration, driving innovation, and sharing knowledge to achieve sustainable development. Speaking at a panel discussion during the Second High-Level Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development, Iqbal presented a four-pronged approach: Alignment, Collaboration, Innovation, and Knowledge Sharing.

Iqbal stressed the need for countries to align their national development strategies with regional and global initiatives, reflecting the broader objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Development Initiative. For Pakistan, this alignment is embedded in its Vision 2025 framework and the 5Es national economic transformation plan, which focuses on Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment & Climate Change, Energy & Infrastructure, and Equity & Empowerment, he said.

“Our efforts in green energy, particularly the shift towards renewable sources, directly contribute to global climate goals,” Iqbal said, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to setting national targets that mirror international commitments to create a cohesive front against global challenges.

He underscored the importance of robust collaboration, citing initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as prime examples.

Iqbal also highlighted innovation as a key catalyst for sustainable development, calling for investment in R&D and promoting technological advancements in clean energy, agriculture, and digital infrastructure. He appreciated the role of the China International Development Cooperation Agency in facilitating knowledge sharing, which has benefited Pakistan’s agricultural techniques and improved energy and food security.