Aurangzeb discusses debt restructuring, climate challenges with UN officials

FinMin outlined ongoing partnership with World Bank in areas such as population management and learning poverty.

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Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with Mohammed Yahya, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, on Tuesday to discuss the country’s debt management, restructuring efforts, and key development challenges.

Yahya was accompanied by Abdullah Fadil, a UNICEF representative, and other senior UN officials, including Afke Bootsman and Luay Shabaneh.

The meeting focused on several critical issues, including debt restructuring, climate financing, sustainable development goals (SDGs), and Pakistan’s transition to green energy.

Aurangzeb emphasised that Pakistan is grappling with two major existential challenges: climate change and population growth, and that these issues must be addressed for long-term stability and growth.

“No amount of economic stability and growth could be sustained without addressing these two critical issues,” Aurangzeb stated. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working alongside its development partners, including the United Nations, to meet the SDGs and build a resilient, sustainable future.

The finance minister also outlined Pakistan’s ongoing partnership with the World Bank, particularly in areas such as population management and learning poverty. He stressed the importance of technical support to design and implement projects that adhere to international standards.

Aurangzeb provided an update on the country's economic outlook, highlighting improvements in key economic indicators and stressing the role of the private sector in driving inclusive and sustainable growth. The meeting also explored options for increasing climate financing and scaling up green energy initiatives to support Pakistan’s transition to a more sustainable energy future.

Discussions included equipping Pakistan's youth with entrepreneurial skills to contribute to the economy’s long-term growth, and the importance of continued international support in overcoming the country’s challenges.

The statement concluded with a call for enhanced technical and financial assistance from the international community to help Pakistan achieve its development goals and tackle the dual challenges of climate change and population growth.