ISLAMABAD, March 20 (DNA): Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Dr. Ahsan Iqbal on Monday said Pakistan 2025 Vision is our roadmap to ensure that we achieve the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are particularly important for Pakistan.

“Pakistan is overcoming its challenges and is on the path of progress,” he added while addressing an event organized by the Embassy of Denmark in Islamabad, marking the end of its development program 2010 – 2017 in Pakistan.

The minister said, “We sincerely appreciate the support provided by Demark to Pakistan at all levels. We value our parents and look forward to further enhancing our cooperation in all sectors.”

Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan Ole Thonke said, “Denmark wants to see a strong, open and progressive Pakistan as the country is a key player in the process of building regional peace and development.”

The Ambassador appreciated the Government of Pakistan for taking many laudable steps to strengthen people’s rights such as increasing focus on education and health services and passing legislations on children and women rights.

He said, “Human rights were the backbone of Denmark’s development strategy, as social justice was a key pillar in building democratic societies. Ambassador Thonke also underlined the benefits of instilling the youth with democratic values such as equality, freedom and justice.

“Our future focus will be on creating government and business partnerships, which will result in knowledge sharing, job creations and innovative solutions. By doing so, we hope to support Pakistan with key challenges in energy, water and health. We will continue to be a partner for a sustainable, peaceful and progressive Pakistan.”

The event included dedicated sessions on Media and Democracy, Human Rights, Gender Equality and Enhancing Economic Growth through livelihood opportunities and creative industries.

During the session, both key experts and development partners discussed achievements and the continuous challenges in the country within these issues, highlighting the benefits of strong partnerships between the Government of Pakistan, civil society and the international donor community.

Since 2010, Denmark has supported a series of interventions both through multilateral and local partnerships with civil society in Pakistan, promoting key priorities for meeting the SDGs.

The  results were also showcased at the different partner stalls and through documentaries.

Denmark’s support to UNICEF Pakistan’s Country program provided more than 7.3 million young women and girls health education while 2.3 million people (1.2 million women) gained access to improved sanitation and almost 1 million gained access to safe drinking water.

The program also enrolled 400,000 children in school for the first time during the Every Child in School initiative.

Other support provided by Denmark includes promoting gender equality and sexual and reproductive rights (Oxfam), support to the Youth Parliament Pakistan (PILDAT), promoting humanitarian values (Human Rights Commission Pakistan) and support to media on content skill development and safety (International Media Support).

The Government of Denmark launched its first development program for Pakistan in 2010 with a total budget of $28 million, which aimed to support Pakistan within the areas of human rights, democracy, and peace and gender equality.=DNA

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