|
|
Mr. President,
Fifteen years ago, we the people of the world, achieved an important agreement at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) at Cairo on the link between population and development. The consensus at Cairo placed individual human rights at the centre of development process. It also acknowledged the central role of women and young people in the development process.
Today as we meet to commemorate the fifteenth anniversary of this consensus, we remain conscious of the progress made thus far and challenges we face in achieving the ICPD goals in the next five years. We are indeed faced with increased challenges in the wake of the current global multiple crises including that of finance.
My delegation aligns itself with the statement made by the distinguished representative of Sudan on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.
Mr. President,
I thank the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UFPA), Ms. Thoraya Obaid, for her introductory statement. I avail myself of this opportunity to appreciate the role of UNFPA in the advancement of goals and objectives of population and development. UNFPA is one of the major sources of financial and technical assistance to the population programmes in Pakistan. Our long lasting partnership with UNFPA dates back to 1971, when UNFPA opened its first office in Pakistan. Since then seven country programmes have been jointly implemented.
As we all know, the hard earned reduction in global poverty and efforts made towards development have now been over-shadowed by the current financial crises. More than ever before improvement in socio-economic development will depend on addressing the population challenge.
Mr. President,
In the area of population planning, like other developing countries, Pakistan faces similar challenges of internal migration, rapid urbanization, youth bulge, and high un-met needs, etc. Pakistan’s urban population has also doubled. The focus of Government’s policy, therefore, is to generate work opportunities in both urban and rural areas. To slow down the pace of internal migration from rural to urban areas, more work opportunities are being created in rural areas.
Following the ICPD Plan of Action and National Population Policy, the main objective of the Pakistan’s Country Programme has been to lead towards population stabilization and sustainable human development with focus on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and poverty reduction.
Responding to the population challenge, the Government of Pakistan has formulated various policies in the areas of population, health, environment and education by integrating population concerns into development strategies. Pakistan’s Population Policy seeks to attain a balance between population and resources. Its goals are set out in three major areas of the ICPD, which includes expanded access to education, particularly for girls, reduced mortality rates and increased access to quality reproductive health services and family planning.
This policy sets out a broad framework that provides a futuristic vision to achieve the ultimate aim of economic development by raising the quality of life of the common man and women through focusing on family planning under the umbrella of reproductive health, especially in rural areas. The policy is the outcome of a participatory process and enjoys consensus of all stakeholders including NGOs and civil society.
In conclusion, Mr. President, I would like to reiterate that Pakistan is fully committed to the goals and objectives of the International Conference on Population and Development. Our objectives are clearly articulated and we are confident and prepared to accept current challenges and to achieve international commitments.
I thank you Mr. President