MDGs, post-2015 development framework
November 08, 2014
Islamabad – “About 420 days are left to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and it requires attention of all stakeholders to do the evaluation of our commitments in order to set right targets in post-2015 regime. The world has already started setting targets for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) whereas Pakistan should contribute in planning stage to set realistic targets for future.”
It was resolved by the participants of the dialogue on “Pakistan MDGs status and Post-2015 Development Framework” here at National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research (NIHCR), Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU).
Dr Eatzaz Ahmad, acting vice-chancellor QAU, informed that civic engagement would be taught as compulsory subject at Quaid-i-Azam University. He also emphasised over rethinking and revision of curriculum, especially of Pakistan studies and Islamic studies, and inclusion of topics related to socio-economic development and women empowerment in Pakistan.
Dr Syed Tahir Hijazi, member governance planning commission, said that MDGs were directly related to common people of Pakistan. He underlined the importance of role of academicians and higher education institutions in creating awareness about MDGs and post-2015 development framework. He also assured the cooperation of planning commission in this regard.
Mohammad Zia Ur Rehman, convener of Pakistan Development Alliance and Regional Coordinator Global Call to Action Against Poverty, informed that Pakistan was far away from achieving 16 targets set in the year 2000 and to be realised in 2015, under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are a set of 8 goals adopted by 189 countries. “Pakistan is spending less than 2% of its GDP on realisation of MDGs whereas it requires spending more than 10% of its GDP for next ten years to achieve the target,” he added.
Qadeer Baig, country director Rutgers WFP, underlined the importance of collaborative efforts by civil society, academicians, politicians, policymakers in order to improve social indicators of the country. Dr Ejaz Hussain, assistant professor Iqra University Islamabad, was of the view that natural and manmade disasters, economic development, political and institutional landscape and social constraints were the key challenges in achieving MDGs.
He suggested that good governance, rule of law, peace, security, inclusive economic growth and involvement of stakeholders could be helpful in achieving MDGs.
SM Awan, officer in-charge NIHCR QAU, extended vote of thanks and demanded for inclusion of topics related to MDGs in curriculum at primary, secondary, elementary and higher education levels. documentary on current status of MDGs was also shared with the participants.
Academicians’ role sought for awareness
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