New York, (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday urged developed nations to assist developing countries in escaping debt traps primarily exacerbated by climate change-related disasters.
Addressing the SDG Moment 2024 Meeting on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly Session, the prime minister highlighted the severe flooding that struck Pakistan in 2022, which he attributed to climate change.
“We faced the worst flooding in our history, and this was not our fault. We contribute barely a fraction of a percent to global carbon emissions,” he stated.
He emphasized that the responsibility for emissions lies with developed countries, which must step up to support developing nations.
“This is crucial; otherwise, this unjust and unbalanced system will lead to nowhere,” he stressed.
The prime minister detailed the staggering losses incurred by Pakistan during the 2022 floods, amounting to approximately $30 billion.
He criticized the cycle of borrowing that developing countries are trapped in, calling it a “vicious circle” and a “death trap” that hampers progress.
Financing Gaps for SDGs
The PM noted that the financing gaps for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reach trillions of dollars, making it difficult for countries like Pakistan to secure necessary funds.
On the topic of terrorism, he recounted how Pakistan faced severe challenges following the events of 9/11, with approximately 80,000 Pakistanis losing their lives due to cross-border terrorism.
Also Read: PM Shehbaz to Meet Bangladesh Chief Advisor Yunus in New York
“We have finally managed to overcome these challenges, but we lost $150 billion in the process,” he added.
Reflecting on his initiatives to enhance education, both as Chief Minister of Punjab and as prime minister, he spoke about his commitment to transforming the education system.
He highlighted the Punjab Endowment Education Fund (PEEF), which provides scholarships for talented but underprivileged children, enabling them to access quality education.
PEEF is recognized as one of the largest education funds in South Asia, benefiting hundreds of thousands of high-achieving students from impoverished backgrounds.
The prime minister also mentioned the establishment of Danish Schools, aimed at providing quality education to talented orphans and disadvantaged children, equipped with modern facilities.
Also Read: PM in New York for UNGA Session
Additionally, he noted the introduction of vocational training programs in educational institutions and a skills development initiative.
However, he expressed concern over the 25 million children still out of school in Pakistan, assuring that efforts are underway to enroll them.
