Pak observer: Green economy is vital for inclusive and sustainable growth. Eminent international experts and senior Pakistani officials and business representatives unanimously said it at the opening day of two-day ‘National consultation on green economy’ jointly organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), One UN Joint Programme on Environment, Ministry of Climate Change, Heinrich Boll Stiftung (HBS) and Lead Pakistan here on Friday.
They main objective of the consultation is to review the preparations for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development to be hosted by Brazil in Rio on 20-22 June and likely to be attended by more than 130 heads of state and government and thousands of delegates representing the UN, private business, non-governmental organizations and media. During the first day of consultation, the delegates deliberated on set of considerations for the Pakistani delegation for the forthcoming Rio+20 Summit as well as ideas for consideration by all stakeholders after the Summit in order to accelerate the achievement of sustainable development and poverty eradication in Pakistan.
Chairing the opening session, Dr. Nadeem-ul-Haque, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission said that time has come to revisit policies and rethink discourse according to green economy concept. He said that current policy framework and ways of managing resources in the country has become obsolete. Talking of government’s relevance in shaping and managing the economy, he urged, it’s time to think holistically about the economy and productivity in creative and focused manner while exploring the linkages between growth and green economy.
Timo Pakkala, United Nations Resident Coordinator reiterated that UN is committed to support Pakistan to promote economic growth and spearhead its pace towards sustainable development while appreciating recent developments at policy level including establishment of Ministry of Climate Change and preparation of climate change policy.
Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director, SDPI welcomed participants and hoped that this consultation will be useful in articulating Pakistan’s stance in purview of green economy and poverty eradication at the Rio +20 conference.
Giving brief overview of green economy, Ambassador (R) Shafqat Kakakhel, Former Deputy-Executive-Director, UNEP and Member Board of Governors, SDPI explained that consultation will examine the relevance of green economy to Pakistan economic and social circumstances as well as global discourse on this concept.
Alfred Leoni, Ambassador of Brazil, informed the participants that more than 120 heads of the states have confirmed their participation in Rio+20 which will fundamentally revolve around green economy and institutional framework for sustainable development.
