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Official Press Release

Inequalities must be eliminated to achieve the sustainable development goals: Iqbal

October 24, 2022
Inequalities must be eliminated to achieve the  sustainable development goals: Iqbal
Federal Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal said that inequalities must be eliminated to achieve the sustainable development goals as modern societies are thriving with modern economy.
He made these remarks, while addressing at a ‘Grand National Dialogue on Socioeconomic Development to Mitigate Disparities’ organized by the Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR) and the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) on Monday. Prominent economists, ex-Ambassadors and people from different walks of life participated in this dialogue.
Speaking at the occasion, the minister said that dialogue on social and economic development on the part of COPAIR and IPRI is very important. The main key to development in the 21st century is knowledge, said the minister, while emphasizing the importance of digital modern tools.
It is a challenge for governments to give digital knowledge to every section of the society, with the digital economy they have to work on poverty, health and other sectors, said the minister, while highlighting the positive impact of digital knowledge. The minister informed the participants that in 2010 his government had started a laptop scheme through PSDP which helped millions of students to get themselves empowered with the digital economy.
Dr. Amina Munawar Awan, President of COPAIR, highlighted the Center of Pakistan and International Relations regarding the goals of sustainable development. She said that COPAIR will also formulate its recommendations regarding sustainable development goals and socio-economic reforms. Due to the fact that many people in Pakistan are devastated, she said that there is a need to set new goals for social and economic development in the country.
Chairman COPAIR and former Ambassador Khalid said that there is a need to set new goals for social and economic development in the country. We have inequalities in different sectors, these inequalities have also arisen due to innovation in the field of technology, he added.
President of IPR, Dr. Raza Muhammad emphasized on equality and elimination of discrimination in the society and said that development is not possible without elimination of discrimination in the society and such dialogues can play a central role in this regard.
Prime Minister's Coordinator for Commerce Rana Ehsan Afzal said that there are main reasons behind Pakistan's backwardness in development. The Sustainable Development Agenda has basic elements and needs to be pushed forward, he added.