Islamabad, Sep 25: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged developed nations to assist developing countries in overcoming debt traps exacerbated by climate change-related natural disasters.
Speaking at the SDG Moment 2024 Meeting, held during the 79th United Nations General Assembly session, Sharif highlighted the devastation caused by the 2022 floods in Pakistan, which resulted in a loss of $30 billion.
He stressed that Pakistan, contributing minimally to global carbon emissions, bears the brunt of climate change, while wealthy countries, responsible for most emissions, should step up and help.
Sharif also addressed the financial struggles of developing countries like Pakistan in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting the financing gaps in trillions of dollars. He criticized the ongoing “vicious circle of debt” faced by such nations, calling it a “death trap.”
On terrorism, the prime minister spoke about Pakistan’s challenges post-9/11, where terrorism pushed from across the border claimed 80,000 lives and cost the country $150 billion. Despite these losses, Pakistan succeeded in overcoming terrorism.
Sharif also highlighted his efforts in education, particularly through initiatives like the Punjab Endowment Education Fund (PEEF) and Danish Schools.
These programs, aimed at empowering underprivileged children, have enabled thousands to pursue education and careers in medicine, engineering, and science. However, he acknowledged the challenge of enrolling the remaining 25 million out-of-school children.
