The Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the UN System in Pakistan has developed a comprehensive Joint Programme on Environment which will be implemented during 2009-10 to protect, conserve and improve the environment in line with the national priorities and international commitments.
This was stated by Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi, Federal Minister for Environment while addressing the signing ceremony of the Joint Programme here today.
"This is the first joint programme of its nature developed in Pakistan and brings the commitments and resources of 12 UN Agencies working in Pakistan for improvement of environment under one umbrella', he said. The Minister said the Government has declared 2009 as the National Year of Environment and implementation of the Joint Programme would greatly contribute to realization of the objectives of the National Year of Environment and improving the quality of life of people of Pakistan.
Speaking on behalf of UN System in Pakistan, Martin Mogwanja, Co-chair of the Thematic Working Group on Environment appreciated the leadership of the Ministry in development of the Joint Programme through an extensive consultative process involving line federal ministries, provincial governments NGOs and other partners. He reiterated the UN System's commitment to support the Ministry of Environment towards furthering the environment agenda in Pakistan. UNDP is the other Co-Chair for this thematic group as per its area of expertise.
The UN Secretary General constituted a High-level Panel to review the functioning of UN System and suggest recommendations to reduce fragmentation and improve efficiency and effectiveness of UN Agencies. A key recommendation of the Panel, which was also co-chaired by Pakistan, UN reforms with focus on 'One UN' at the country level to have one leader, one programme, one budgetary framework, one management practice, and whenever appropriate, one office. Pakistan, where some 18 UN entities are operational, with different mandates, different sets of global priorities, and different operational, managerial and delivery systems, volunteered to be one of the pilot countries for UN reform.
Environment is one of the five thematic programme areas of UN System Pakistan during 2009-10. The Joint Programme would focus on five key areas i.e. enabling environment for improved environmental management and development; safe water and improved sanitation; integrated natural resources management; and sustainable urban development; green industries, energy and jobs. The programme would be implemented over a period of 2 years at a cost of US$ 76.3 million.
**********
For further information and media assistance, please contact,
Mehreen Saeed, Communication Analyst, UNDP Pakistan
UN House No. 12, Street 17, F-7/2 Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-8255650 or Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: http://www.undp.org.pk
***************
UNDP is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.
