UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has called for a "more efficient and effective" UN Development system that delivers results at a reduced cost as discussions continue on crafting a post-2015 agenda focused on sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Speaking in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which wrapped up the main part of its 'operational activities for development' segment of its 2014 session, Ambassador Masood Khan said the United Nations the largest multilateral partner to developing countries, providing 17 per cent of total ODA (Official Development Assistance) had a special role in helping them achieve development.
The three-day segment sought to start a 'forward-looking' dialogue on adapting the United Nations system to important changes taking place in the broader development landscape.
For the first time, it was held during the January-February period, following the first regular sessions of the executive boards of United Nations funds and programmes, rather than in July a new format adopted under a General Assembly.
IN his remarks, the Pakistani envoy said operational development activities should support nationally identified priorities and leverage national capacities.
As ODA was a main pillar of the global development partnership, commitments must be fulfilled, he said, pressing donors to address the imbalance between core and non-core funding, and the development system to partner with diverse actors willing to invest in development.
The development system must simplify its rules and procedures, harmonize business practices and devise efficient support services, and its entities must work according to their comparative advantages.
Masood Khan told the Council that Pakistan was actively working towards good governance, social justice and poverty and poverty alleviation amid sustained economic growth. Poverty has been drastically reduced from 34.5 percent in 2001/02 to 12.4 percent in 2010/11, cut child mortality rate and improved maternal health, while empowering women, he said.
"our efforts in other areas have been affected by the allocation of resources to fight terrorism and deal with frequent and massive natural disasters," he said. "Our government has accelerated the pace for other MDGs. Education and health spending has been increased for 2 to 4 percent, and 1 to 2 percent of GDP, respectively. We are especially focusing on young people to give them high-quality education, life skills and vocational training."
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, he said, has started a credit programme for young entrepreneurs to enable them to start small businesses.
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