SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT :

Sustainable development is a concept that focuses on meeting the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing economic,
social, and environmental factors to ensure long-term prosperity while preserving the planet's resources
and ecosystems.

BRUNDTLAND COMMISSION 1983 ON OUR COMMON FUTURE :

5 PILLARS OF SD :

(1) People: The first pillar, "People," underscores the importance of ensuring that the well-being and
quality of life of all individuals are at the forefront of sustainable development. It emphasizes the need
to eradicate poverty, promote access to education and healthcare, and empower communities to
participate in decision-making processes. By prioritizing people's needs, sustainable development aims
to create inclusive societies where everyone can thrive.

(2) Planet: The "Planet" pillar acknowledges the finite nature of Earth's resources and the need to
protect and preserve our natural environment. This involves responsible resource management,
reducing pollution and waste, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Sustainable development recognizes that a healthy planet is fundamental to the well-being of current
and future generations.

(3) Prosperity: Sustainable development seeks to promote economic growth and prosperity that is both
equitable and environmentally sustainable. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable business
practices, responsible consumption, and the equitable distribution of wealth. Economic growth should
not come at the expense of environmental degradation or social inequality.

(4) Peace: Peace is considered a prerequisite for sustainable development. The "Peace" pillar
emphasizes the need to prevent conflicts and promote social stability. Sustainable development
recognizes that violence and instability can undermine progress in all other areas. Addressing the root
causes of conflicts, promoting social justice, and fostering a culture of peace are integral to this pillar.
(5) Partnership: Collaboration and cooperation at local, national, and international levels are essential
for achieving sustainable development. The "Partnership" pillar underscores the importance of working
together across sectors and borders to address global challenges effectively. It encourages governments,
civil society, businesses, and international organizations to collaborate in finding solutions that benefit
all.

DIMENSIONS OF SD :

(1) Economic Sustainability: Economic sustainability involves fostering a robust and resilient economy
that can endure over time without depleting resources or incurring excessive debt. A key aspect of
economic sustainability is maintaining fiscal responsibility, which means managing government finances
prudently to ensure they remain fiscally sound. This entails avoiding large debts that burden future
generations. A fiscally sound approach involves responsible budgeting, minimizing budget deficits, and
ensuring that public spending aligns with long-term economic goals. By maintaining fiscal discipline,
governments can contribute to economic stability, job creation, and the ability to invest in other critical
areas of sustainable development, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

(2) Social Sustainability: Social sustainability focuses on creating inclusive and equitable societies where
the well-being of all individuals is prioritized. This dimension emphasizes the importance of addressing
social issues like poverty, inequality, and access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and
housing. Social sustainability also promotes social cohesion, respect for human rights, and the
empowerment of marginalized groups. By investing in social sustainability, societies can ensure that
everyone has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life, participate in decision-making processes, and
benefit from economic and technological advancements.

(3) Environmental Sustainability: Environmental sustainability is perhaps the most widely recognized
dimension of sustainable development. It emphasizes the responsible stewardship of the planet's
natural resources and ecosystems. This includes efforts to reduce pollution, minimize waste, conserve
biodiversity, and mitigate climate change. Environmental sustainability also encourages the adoption of
clean and renewable energy sources, sustainable agriculture practices, and the protection of critical
habitats. It's crucial for ensuring that future generations inherit a planet capable of supporting life and
providing essential resources.
MDGs :

(1) Eradication of extreme poverty and hunger

(2) Universal primary education

(3) Gender Equality

(4) Reduction in child mortality

(5) Improve maternal health

(6) Controlling diseases like malaria , AIDS and polio

(7) Ensuring environmental sustainability

(8) Partnership for the development

PROGRESS ON MDGs :

(1) Uneven progress was achieved on the MDGs: The Millennium Development Goals, established in
2000, aimed to address a range of global challenges, including poverty, hunger, education, gender
equality, and healthcare. While significant progress was made in many areas, it was not uniform across
countries and regions. Uneven progress characterized the MDG era, with some nations making
remarkable strides toward achieving the goals, while others lagged behind. Factors such as political
stability, economic growth, and access to resources played a crucial role in determining a country's
success in meeting these targets. This uneven progress underscored the complexity of global
development challenges and the need for tailored approaches to address them effectively.

(2) Internationally, only China and India were able to complete a few goals: Among the countries that
stood out during the MDG era for their substantial progress were China and India. Both nations, with
their vast populations and growing economies, were able to achieve several of the MDGs. China, for
example, made significant gains in reducing poverty and improving access to education and healthcare.
India also witnessed progress in areas like gender equality and access to clean water. Their success was
attributed to strong economic growth, investments in social programs, and policies aimed at addressing
specific MDG targets. However, it's important to note that while China and India made substantial
strides, they faced their own unique challenges and disparities within their populations, reminding us
that even in countries with significant achievements, inequalities persisted and demanded continued
attention.
WHY THESE GOALS FAILED TO PRODUCE DESIRED RESULTS :

(1) No legitimacy: While 191 countries ratified the MDGs as their development agenda, the absence of
ratification by the United States highlighted a lack of universal legitimacy. The success of global
development goals depends on the commitment of all nations, especially major world powers. The
absence of U.S. ratification raised questions about the overall legitimacy of the MDGs on the global
stage, hindering collective action and cooperation in achieving these goals.

(2) Lack of funding: Achieving universal primary education, one of the MDGs, faced challenges due to a
lack of adequate funding. Many developing countries struggled with infrastructure deficits and a
shortage of teachers. Developed countries' failure to provide sufficient financial aid to support
education initiatives in these regions hindered progress. Funding gaps not only affected education but
also other MDG areas, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in mobilizing resources
to address global development challenges.

(3) The world focused on equality, not equity: The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) often failed
to produce desired results due to their predominant focus on equality rather than equity. These goals
applied uniform targets globally, overlooking the uneven impact of problems on different regions and
populations. Developing countries, particularly those in Africa, faced unique challenges, such as climate
change adaptation, gender equality, and debt servicing, which required tailored solutions. An equity-
based approach, recognizing disparities and directing more support to those in greater need, could have
yielded more effective and equitable outcomes, addressing the root causes of underdevelopment.

(4) Issues related to women: Gender inequality remained a significant challenge throughout the MDG
era. In many cultures and societies, gender equality was not accepted or promoted, resulting in the
marginalization of women. Limited access to education, economic opportunities, and political
participation hindered women's progress. The absence of women in the workforce further exacerbated
gender disparities. Achieving gender-related MDGs required a deeper cultural shift and stronger
advocacy for women's rights and empowerment, which were often slow to materialize in many parts of
the world.

SDG :
These goals were more comprehensive as compared to MDGs and included organizations like IMF , WB
to ensure the implementation of these goals in letter and spirit

(1) No Poverty

(2) Zero Hunger

(3) Good Health and Well-being

(4) Quality Education

(5) Gender Equality

(6) Clean Water and Sanitation

(7) Affordable and Clean Energy

(8) Decent Work and Economic Growth

(9) Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

(10) Reduced Inequality

(11) Sustainable Cities and Communities

(12) Responsible Consumption and Production

(13) Climate Action

(14) Life Below Water

(15) Life on Land

(16) Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

(17) Partnerships for the Goals

SDGs and PAKISTAN :

(1) Pakistan integrated SDGs into its National Development Agenda in February 2016: Pakistan took a
significant step towards achieving sustainable development by officially integrating the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its national development agenda in February 2016. This
integration marked a commitment by the Pakistani government to align its policies, programs, and
development priorities with the 17 SDGs and their associated targets. Recognizing the urgency and
global significance of these goals, Pakistan's leadership recognized that addressing challenges such as
poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and social well-being required a comprehensive and
coordinated approach in line with the SDGs.

(2) Pakistan was the first country to adopt such an approach: Pakistan's decision to integrate the SDGs
into its national development agenda was a pioneering move on the global stage. By becoming one of
the first countries to adopt this approach, Pakistan demonstrated its commitment to the principles of
sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This early adoption not
only showcased Pakistan's dedication to addressing pressing global challenges but also set an example
for other nations to follow suit in aligning their development efforts with the SDGs.

(3) In terms of institutional arrangement, task forces were established at provincial and national levels:
To effectively implement the SDGs across the country, Pakistan established institutional arrangements
that included the formation of task forces at both provincial and national levels. These task forces were
tasked with coordinating efforts, setting priorities, and monitoring progress related to the SDGs. At the
provincial level, these structures ensured that regional specificities and challenges were addressed,
while at the national level, they facilitated a unified and coherent approach to SDG implementation.

STEPS TAKEN BY PAKISTAN SO FOR WRT EACH GOAL :

(1) No Poverty : to eradicate poverty Pakistan has started social safety needs under the umbrella of
Benazir income support programme then converted into Ehsaas program

(2) Zero Hunger : To achieve zero hunger Pakistan has launched a comprehensive nutrition strategy
based on nutrition specific and nutrition sensitive ideas

(3) Good Health and Well-being : To ensure healthy lives and promote well-being Pakistan has started
sehat sahulat card and polio eradication programs

(4) Quality Education : to promote quality learning Pakistan has given single National curriculum and
started a drive to bring in out of school children by giving them specific incentives

(5) Gender Equality : to ensure gender equality Pakistan is encouraging movements across the national
landscape by fixing quotas in services and empowering women through small and medium scale
enterprises in far flung areas
(6) Clean Water and Sanitation : No progresson Goal 6

(7) Affordable and Clean Energy : Pakistan is gradually moving towards renewable energy sources by
gradually shifting towards solar wind and thermal energy to balance energy mix

(8) Decent Work and Economic Growth : to realise goal 8 Pakistan is focusing on vocational training and
skill development to enhance the productive capacity and create new jobs

(9) Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure : No considerable progress

(10) Reduced Inequality : No considerable progress

(11) Sustainable Cities and Communities : No considerable progress

(12) Responsible Consumption and Production : Pakistan has started austerity measures and strong price
control mechanism

(13) Climate Action : it is the only sustainable development goal that Pakistan has achieved before time .
It has implanted billion trees

(14) Life Below Water : Pakistan has devised a biodiversity strategy to ensure no harm to species living
below water

(15) Life on Land : Pakistan has started forestation campaign and plantation drives in the shape of clean
and green Pakistan

(16) Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions : No progress

(17) Partnerships for the Goals : CPEC , Afghan peace process , chairmanship of climate fund

PAKISTAN HAS NOT FULLY ACHIEVED PROGRESS ON SDGs :

(1) Political Instability : Political instability in Pakistan has disrupted the continuity of Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) implementation. This instability is characterized by poor legislative support,
inconsistent policies across different governments, and non-inclusive approaches post-18th
amendment, hampering the country's progress in achieving its SDG targets.

(2) Lack of economic resources :

IMF in its latest report POST PANDEMIC ASSESSMENT OF SDGs stated that Public spending has been
insufficient to meet the needs of a fast growing young Population in Pakistan . SDGs will be delayed for 1
year for combodia and 4-6 years for Pakistan and Nigeria
(3) Lack of FDI: One key obstacle has been the limited inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Insufficient FDI inflows have constrained Pakistan's capacity to fund and implement projects aimed at
achieving the SDGs. Attracting foreign investment requires stable economic conditions, investor-friendly
policies, and a secure business environment, which Pakistan has struggled to consistently provide.

(4) Lack of clarity in implementation after the 18th amendment: The 18th constitutional amendment in
Pakistan devolved several key responsibilities from the federal government to the provinces. While
decentralization is generally seen as a positive step for local governance, it has led to ambiguity in roles
and responsibilities for SDG implementation. This lack of clarity has sometimes resulted in inefficiencies
and overlapping efforts among different government levels.

(5) Absence of a media strategy: A robust media strategy is crucial for raising awareness about the SDGs
and mobilizing public support. In Pakistan, the absence of a comprehensive media strategy has hindered
efforts to disseminate information about the goals, their importance, and the progress made. This has
limited the extent to which the public is engaged in and informed about the SDGs.

(6) Gender Discrimination: Gender discrimination and disparities remain pervasive in Pakistan, impacting
women's access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Achieving gender equality, a
fundamental SDG, has been challenging due to deeply ingrained cultural norms and structural barriers
that need significant reform and investment to overcome.

(7) Corruption and Accountability Issues: Corruption remains a significant challenge in Pakistan, affecting
public trust and diverting resources away from essential development initiatives. Strengthening
accountability mechanisms and addressing corruption at all levels of government are critical for effective
SDG implementation.

(8) Ineffective Bureaucracy: Inefficiencies and red tape within the bureaucracy have slowed down the
implementation of SDG-related policies and projects. Streamlining administrative processes and
enhancing the capacity of government institutions are essential for expediting progress.

(9) Corruption and Accountability Issues (reiterated): Corruption is a deeply entrenched problem in
Pakistan, impacting multiple aspects of governance and development. Lack of transparency and
accountability hampers the effective use of resources and undermines public confidence in the
government's ability to achieve SDGs.

WAY FORWARD :

(1) Political stability and legislative support to SDGs: Achieving political stability in Pakistan is essential
for consistent legislative support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A long-term vision for
development that transcends political transitions should be embraced. This requires fostering a culture
of cooperation and bipartisan commitment to the SDGs. Establishing cross-party committees dedicated
to SDG oversight and accountability can help ensure that these global goals remain a national priority
regardless of political changes.

(2) Economic reforms: Pakistan's economic stability is pivotal for sustainable development.
Implementing economic reforms that focus on fiscal discipline, resource mobilization, and reducing
public debt are imperative. Encouraging private sector growth, facilitating ease of doing business, and
promoting export-oriented industries can stimulate economic development and generate resources for
SDG-related initiatives.

(3) More focus on Human Development: Prioritizing human development by investing in education,
healthcare, and social protection programs is crucial. Special emphasis should be placed on improving
healthcare infrastructure and access, reducing child mortality rates, and enhancing the overall quality of
life for Pakistan's citizens.

(4) Education Reforms: Comprehensive education reforms are vital to achieving multiple SDGs,
particularly those related to quality education, gender equality, and economic growth. Initiatives should
include increasing access to quality education, teacher training, curriculum improvements, and
addressing the gender gap in education.

(5) Safe business climate to attract FDI: To attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Pakistan should
create a conducive and safe business environment. This entails addressing security concerns, improving
infrastructure, simplifying regulations, and enhancing transparency. Clear and stable investment policies
will bolster investor confidence.
(6) Making CCI work (inter-provincial coordination and provincial capacity building): Strengthening the
Council of Common Interests (CCI) is essential for effective inter-provincial coordination and capacity
building. Clearer delineation of responsibilities, dispute resolution mechanisms, and collaborative
approaches to addressing shared challenges will ensure a more coordinated implementation of SDGs at
the provincial level.

(7) A decent media strategy involving the people: An effective media strategy should engage and inform
the public about the SDGs. Pakistan can achieve this by collaborating with media outlets to disseminate
information, conduct awareness campaigns, and encourage public participation in SDG-related
initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership among citizens.

(8) Steps to ensure gender equality: Promoting gender equality requires comprehensive strategies that
address societal norms and empower women economically and socially. Measures should include legal
reforms, support for women's participation in the workforce, and initiatives to combat gender-based
violence.

(9) Bureaucratic reforms: Streamlining bureaucratic processes, reducing red tape, and enhancing the
efficiency and effectiveness of government institutions are essential. Training programs, merit-based
recruitment, and accountability mechanisms within the civil service can improve governance and
facilitate SDG implementation.

(10) Strong and impartial accountability: Ensuring accountability at all levels of government is crucial.
Independent oversight bodies and mechanisms for monitoring progress on SDGs, coupled with effective
enforcement of anti-corruption measures, will contribute to transparency and trust.

(11) Urging international community for financial assistance: Pakistan should engage with the
international community to seek financial assistance, including debt restructuring and debt swaps for
climate change initiatives. Leveraging international support can help alleviate fiscal pressures and
mobilize resources for sustainable development projects.

In conclusion, Pakistan's progress toward achieving the SDGs requires a multi-faceted approach
encompassing political stability, economic reforms, human development, education, a conducive
business climate, inter-provincial coordination, media engagement, gender equality, bureaucratic
improvements, and strong accountability mechanisms. Collaborative efforts, both domestically and
internationally, are essential to realize these goals and propel Pakistan towards a more sustainable and
prosperous future.