LEAD for SDGs localisation in Pakistan Programme successfully concluded the capacity building workshop for Parliamentary Taskforces on SDGs
Day 1
22 February 2022 (Islamabad, Pakistan) LEAD for SDGs Localisation in Pakistan Programme, in collaboration with the SDGs Secretariat of the National Assembly of Pakistan and with the support of United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific and the European Union, held a two-day workshop of sessions for building the capacity of the “SDGs Parliamentary Taskforces” to identify strategies, mechanisms and partnerships accelerating effective localization and implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
The workshop was held in Islamabad and was attended by National, Provincial, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan Taskforces, representatives of local governments and other stakeholders.
Led by Honourable Riaz Fatyana, the National Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs hosted this event in collaboration with the Association for Development of Local Governance, supported by the European Union and United Cities and Local Governments, Asia Pacific, under the LEAD for SDGs Localisation Programme in Pakistan.
Honourable Farrukh Habib, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting opened the two days capacity building workshop.
The Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Pakistan, Mr Ovidiu Mic expressed satisfaction that the EU, through the LEAD project, is contributing to the evolving debate on localizing SDGs. He welcomed that the workshop created an interface for local authorities with the relevant Parliamentary task forces and representatives of the Federal Government to discuss common challenges and how they can be addressed.
Mr Farukh Habib tendered his remarks on the significance of SDGs and the important role of local governments to achieve agenda 2030. He ensured that their government was moving fast to establish elected local governments. He highlighted the local government election held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and will soon take place in Punjab
Dr Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary-General, UCLG joined the workshop virtually and tendered her remarks on the objectives of LEAD for SDGs localisation in the Pakistan Program. While welcoming the participants she praised the first-ever joint session for SDGs Taskforces.
Mr Anwar Hussain leading the national association of local governments (ADLG) delivered his part regarding the importance of local governments in the implementation of SDGs. He said, it is religiously necessary to empower local government members with a sustainable local government system in the country, which will eventually lead to fulfilling the targets to achieve SDGs.
Recently, the LEAD for SDGs Localisation Programme in Pakistan undertook a rapid assessment of the taskforces on SDGs intending to document their current capacities and challenges, to contribute and extend support to mitigate the challenges.
In the same context, members from Taskforces on SDGs and prominent personalities carried out extensive work based on their experiences and insights and formulated a roadmap to implement their respective mandates.
The event also reiterated to the participants the background on SDGs’ targets, indicators, monitoring tools, reporting mechanisms, and guidelines to support country reporting on SDGs and their obligations.
The event offered an open forum on key challenges and constraints, followed by group presentations by the national and provincial taskforces about their activities, performance and achievements. The workshop also enhanced communication among Taskforces on SDGs, recognition of Taskforces as statutory committees, secretarial support, a platform for engagement through knowledge sharing, best practices and essentially active capacity-building support to Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir taskforces.
Sharing of the key findings of the rapid assessments:
A quick thorough of the key findings of the rapid assessment will be followed by an open discussion on key issues, challenges and constraints.
Followed by group presentations by the national and provincial task forces about their activities, performance and achievements.
Prioritization of the gaps identified as per provincial priorities.
The last session will focus on developing a roadmap for the national and provincial task forces to implement their respective mandate. They will also come up with areas where the LEAD for SDGs can provide support.
Day 2
23 February 2022 (Islamabad, Pakistan)
Final Report will be updated soon
