SDGs IN PAKISTAN: OBSTACLES AND THE PATH TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals agenda through the analysis of Pakistan. In this study, the previous literature is reviewed, and the transformation of the United Nations Agenda for Millennium Development Goals into Sustainable Development Goals is examined. The Millennium Development Goals agenda was signed by 149 countries in 2000, which included eight goals to promote peace, health facilities, etc. Developed countries performed well on this agenda, but some developing countries were not performing well, such as Pakistan. Thus, the agenda was replaced by the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, and 193 countries adopted this agenda, which included 17 goals and 169 indicators. World leaders committed to ending poverty, achieving zero hunger, promoting gender equality, advocating for peace, etc. This agenda will conclude in 2030. The SDGs have received more attention than the MDGs. These goals are the "Five Ps": "People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership. " In this study, Pakistan's perspective on this agenda is examined. Pakistan is the first country to declare the SDGs as national goals in the National Assembly on 16 February 2016. Pakistan has taken many initiatives for this agenda, such as the "Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives (MOP&SI)" and the "Federal SDGs Unit, " which work for the SDGs in Pakistan. The United Nations Development Program is also helping Pakistan with this agenda. However, Pakistan's performance on this agenda is not satisfactory. In this study, a qualitative approach is used, with both secondary and primary sources. The study explores the challenges impeding Pakistan's performance regarding the SDGs and provides recommendations to address these challenges. Pakistan has performed well in terms of poverty reduction, disaster resilience, health, and internet access. According to the UNDP's Annual Report on Sustainable Development Goals 2025, Pakistan is ranked 140th out of 167 countries. This study suggests that if Pakistan wants to fulfill the SDGs, it should first set its priorities and then work on those priorities with accountability.

Keywords: SDGS, MDGS, United nation, Pakistan, Agenda, federal