Intervention by Senator Sardar Muhammad Latif Khan Khosa, Minister-In-Charge and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Information Technology on Policy Dialogue 5: Achieving the MDGs by 2015: an agenda for more and improved development cooperation (New York 30 June 2010)

Madam Moderator,

I thank you Madam for giving me the floor. Through you, I would also commend all the panelists for their comprehensive presentations on the important theme of “Achieving the MDGs, by 2015: an agenda for more and improved development cooperation.

  1. While we may have different views on how far we have gone and where we lag in achieving the MDGs and targets, we all agree that the multiple crises that we face will adversely impact the progress towards the achievement of MDGs and reverse the gains already made.
  2. So we do need to think of ways in which we can further enhance and strengthen global development cooperation in this increasingly interconnected and interdependent world.
  3. This Second Development Cooperation Forum, being convened as part of the High Level Segment, will provide a useful opportunity to undertake indepth discussions on ways to enhance and further strengthen global development cooperation.
  4. Pakistan views Development Cooperation Forum as a unique and inclusive platform where all countries can voice their concerns to help shape international development cooperation framework. Importantly, we see DCF as an institution with the potential to further evolve into a more robust, dynamic and effective platform capable of enhancing coherence in global development cooperation and promoting a partnership based on mutual responsibility and accountability.

Madam Moderator,

  1. The Government of Islamic Republic of Pakistan stands committed to the MDGs as the PPPs manifesto envisioned and presented by the Late Benazir Bhutto as Chairperson of the Party, who sacrificed her life for Democracy during election campaign, categorically stated so and on the basis of which we contested and won the general election of February 2008.

Madam Moderator,

  1. A more effective and improved development cooperation framework in our view should be built around the following elements and principles:

    • One, people centered approach and development strategy designed to enhance their welfare and wellbeing.

    • Two, full ownership and leadership of the national development plans and strategies.

    • Three, there is no one size fits all.

    • Four, recognize that policy conditionalities remain a key cause of unpredictability.

    • Five, ensure adequate and predictable financing flows while maintaining their flexibility, which is essential in countering exogenous shocks.

    • Six, the aid effectiveness agenda must ensure full and effective accountability of both donors and recipients.

    • Seven, South-South Cooperation is not a stand alone undertaking, nor it is a substitute or replacement for North-South Cooperation. It remains limited in scope and coverage despite witnessing growth lately.

    • Eight, a scientific and comprehensive understanding of the country vulnerabilities particularly those induced by Climate Change.

    Madam Moderator,

    1. In the end, let me state that while Friends of Democratic Pakistan have responded in helping us, yet the sacrifices and sufferings of the people of Pakistan for the world peace far out-weigh the contribution by the world community. Bleeding in any part of the world like an organic whole would not auger well with the MDGs. Let us concentrate on people and human resource in recognition of their fundamental inalienable rights of life, liberty, dignity and equal opportunity to resources of the globe and fight against poverty, illiteracy and achieve the MDGs.

    I thank you Madam Chair.