President Zardari calls for strengthening Pakistan-UN partnership

Islamabad (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari has stressed the importance of expanding Pakistan’s cooperation with the United Nations (UN), with particular attention to sustainable development, climate resilience, poverty reduction, education and social welfare.

He expressed these views during a farewell meeting with UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan Mohamed Yahya, who called on the President in Islamabad on Wednesday.

President Zardari said Pakistan considers its relationship with the United Nations an important and wide-ranging partnership and reiterated Islamabad’s resolve to work closely with the UN Country Team in pursuing the country’s development goals.

He also acknowledged the organisation’s continued assistance in Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate polio and improve healthcare and nutrition for mothers, newborns and children. He specifically appreciated UN support for initiatives such as the Benazir Nashonuma Programme.

The President further recognised the contribution of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in organising international relief efforts and assisting Pakistan during major climate-related disasters.

He said Pakistan wanted to maintain close coordination with OCHA while ensuring that international support strengthens existing national mechanisms and complements government-led emergency responses.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable development, President Zardari highlighted the need to tackle the increasingly damaging effects of climate change.

He welcomed programmes such as the Living Indus Initiative and Recharge Pakistan and hoped the UN would continue assisting Islamabad in attracting development and climate-related financing.

President Zardari expressed confidence that Pakistan and the United Nations would continue advancing their shared objectives under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2023-27.

During the meeting, Mohamed Yahya told the President that he had been selected for the position of Assistant Secretary-General at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. He is scheduled to assume the new responsibility next month.

President Zardari congratulated Yahya on his appointment, wished him success in his new role and assured him that Pakistan would extend its full cooperation and support.