United Nations, July 14 2026: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, met with Alexander De Croo, the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New York today. They discussed Pakistan's development priorities including the ways to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and UNDP.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to its partnership with UNDP and expressed appreciation for the organization's continued support in advancing the country's national development agenda.
He stated that Pakistan's development strategy is anchored in Uraan Pakistan, with a focus on five priority pillars: exports, digitalization, environment, energy and equity.
Professor Ahsan Iqbal acknowledged UNDP's longstanding collaboration with the Ministry of Planning, particularly its support for the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through SDG Support Units and its role in convening the 2025 SDGs Policy Dialogue for Action.
The discussion also focused on Pakistan’s SDG Plus Programme, aimed at accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through stronger provincial ownership and localized action. Both sides underscored the importance of bringing the SDGs closer to communities by strengthening implementation at the provincial level. Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal informed UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo that Pakistan’s National Economic Council had decided to undertake quarterly reviews of provincial performance on key social indicators, recognizing that many human development responsibilities rest with provincial governments. Mr. De Croo appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen institutional mechanisms for SDG implementation and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting the country’s sustainable development agenda.
The Federal Minister further said that Pakistan's development ambitions are facing challenges emanating from debt servicing obligations and limited fiscal space. In this context, he expressed hope that UNDP would continue supporting Pakistan's efforts to mobilize development and climate finance, including through SDG-aligned investment initiatives.
The Minister highlighted Pakistan's continued vulnerability to climate-induced disasters, and appreciated UNDP's contribution to flood response and recovery following the devastating 2022 floods, including its support for the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan and the implementation of the Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Framework (4RF).
He emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in building long-term climate resilience, including through Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) projects, as well as initiatives aimed at poverty reduction and job creation to address Pakistan's demographic and employment challenges.
The Minister also acknowledged UNDP's commitment to maintaining its country presence despite financial constraints. At the same time, he expressed concern over the significant decline in UNDP's core funding and stressed that ongoing reforms across the UN development system should strengthen, rather than diminish, support to programme countries such as Pakistan.
Prof. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that UNDP's core development mandate should remain robust and that country-level cooperation should continue to be aligned with national priorities.
Welcoming the forthcoming visit to Pakistan of the Crown Prince of Norway, who also serves as a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, he expressed confidence that the visit would help bring greater international attention to Pakistan's development priorities.
Minister for Planning also extended an invitation to Alexander De Croo on behalf of Prime Minister.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing cooperation at both the country level and at UN Headquarters in support of Pakistan's sustainable development objectives.