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Parliamentarians to be empowered to deepen their understanding of SDGs
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ISLAMABAD – A Memorandum of Understand (MoU) has been signed between Parliament of Pakistan and Leadership for Environment and Development (LEAD) Pakistan, a national think tank, to empower Parliamentarians to understand and later accelerate the implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country.
The MoU was signed by Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and CEO of LEAD Pakistan Ali Tauqeer Sheikh at a ceremony held the Parliament House on Thursday. State Minister for Information and Chairperson SDGs Secretariat Mariyum Aurangzeb and Director Programmes LEAD Hina Lotia was also present at the occasion.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, the Speaker said that Pakistan’s Parliament is the first in the world to establish a Secretariat of SDGs.
He said that under this MoU, parliamentarians will be empowered with knowledge, data, learning and soft skills through different capacity building programs.
He said that LEAD will also assist members and Chairs of selected Standing Committees for research, and the inclusion of the priority areas of SDGs in the parliamentary agenda.
State Minister for information Mariyam Aurangzeb said that Parliamentarians’ leadership role will be critical to support SDGs as they represent the will and interests of their constituents, including those who do not have access to energy and the citizens most likely to be affected by climate change.
She said that delivering on these goals will help enhance Pakistan’s ability to emerge as one of the world’s leading economies and strengthen national security.
CEO LEAD Pakistan said the SDGs are the best vehicle to lift people out of poverty by enriching their lives and livelihood options and require commitment that is as strong as that for acquiring nuclear technology.
He said that LEAD will also organise briefing sessions, training and capacity programs along the lines of its internationally recognized “Leadership Development Programme (LDP) cohort model” and conduct joint training activities on national and international themes, and sectors related to 17 SDGs and the 169 targets specified by the UN.
