Inclusive Development for Pakistan’s Future
Inclusive Development for Pakistan’s Future: As 2024 draws to a close, the world faces significant challenges—growing poverty, escalating conflicts, and deepening divisions. These global issues are not abstract concepts for Pakistan; they are visible in the lives of its people. Economic inequality, vulnerability to climate change, and social exclusion compound the hardships faced by many. In this context, the September UN Summit of the Future highlighted the importance of multilateralism, calling for global cooperation to address urgent challenges.
For Pakistan, the summit’s call for strengthened international collaboration and a focus on inclusion offers a timely roadmap for development. On this International Human Rights Day, as we honor the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we must consider how these international commitments can inform local realities in Pakistan. Human rights protection must be foundational to sustainable development, particularly for women, girls, and marginalized communities.
Development Challenges Persist
Pakistan faces pressing development challenges. Once seen as a country with medium human development, it now ranks 164th out of 193 countries on the Human Development Index for 2023-2024. Its gender equality gap is one of the widest globally, ranking 145th out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2024, with 28% of women aged 15-49 experiencing physical violence. These statistics reflect deep-rooted inequalities that threaten individual well-being and societal stability.
The insights of development pioneers like Nobel laureates Amartya Sen and Dr. Mahbub ul Haq remain highly relevant. They emphasized that real progress comes from policies that expand freedoms, empower the marginalized, and create opportunities for all. As Pakistan confronts economic and social challenges, these principles should guide its development trajectory.
To address widening societal gaps, Pakistan must shift towards an inclusive development model that goes beyond traditional economic indicators. Empowering its people, bridging the digital divide, protecting the environment, and strengthening governance are essential steps in this direction.
Development Advocate Pakistan, UNDP Pakistan’s flagship publication, dedicates its final 2024 edition to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The principles of the Declaration serve as both a reflection and a call to action. Inclusion is at the core of Pakistan’s development narrative.
UNDP’s Strategic Priorities
UNDP remains committed to people-centered, collaborative planning for transformative change. As we look ahead to the new UNDP Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, our consultations have identified key priorities for Pakistan: climate resilience, economic stability, youth development, and digital inclusion. These priorities are essential to advancing inclusive development, as explored in the essays featured in this issue.
Closing Pakistan’s $348 billion financing gap by 2030 demands bold, innovative solutions. Prioritizing economic reforms, renewable energy investments, healthcare, and climate-aligned funding mechanisms is critical.
Governance reforms are equally essential. The increasing threats faced by civil society, marginalized groups, and human rights defenders must be addressed directly. Rebuilding trust, safeguarding freedom of expression, and promoting civic engagement are crucial to enhancing Pakistan’s human security and development.
Empowering People for Progress
Pakistan’s greatest untapped resource is its people, especially its youth and women. With two million young people entering the workforce annually, and 34% of them not engaged in education, employment, or training, a dual focus on entrepreneurship and job creation is vital. Digital inclusion, particularly for women, can have transformative effects. The 2024 National Human Development Report: Doing Digital for Development emphasizes how ensuring every woman has access to a smartphone can open doors to financial inclusion, healthcare, and education.
As 2025 approaches, aligning Pakistan’s development agenda with the SDGs is essential. The Decade of Action offers no room for delay. Together, we can create a development story prioritizing human rights, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all.
Published in Dawn, 10th December 2024
