As United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for massive support for the rebuilding effort, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sought $8 billion from its international partners over the next three years to rebuild the country that is still reeling from the disastrous floods that occurred last year.
The two spoke at the beginning of the Geneva-based “International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan.” The conference is being co-hosted by PM Shehbaz and the UN chief.
The day-long moot, which is attended by heads of state and government as well as other stakeholders, aims to garner international support for the rehabilitation of the super flood-affected population and the climate-resilient reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.
Hundreds of millions of dollars in pledges were made before the pledges portion of the conference even began, indicating that nations had heeded PM Shehbaz’s call.
Int'lcommunity and development partners are demonstrating exemplary compassion for flood victims.Islamic development bank group has pledged $4.2 billion at Geneva moot,WB vice President for South Asia Martin Raiser announced $2 billion, responding to PM's call for concrete action
French President Emmanuel Macron informed the conference via video link that his nation would contribute $384 million, or 360 euros.
In addition, he stated that France was prepared to contribute an additional 10 million euros in emergency aid and join an international support group that was established to assist Pakistan in implementing its plan.
Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission, said that the European Union was contributing 500 million euros to Pakistan’s reconstruction. She also said that 10 million euros would be going toward humanitarian aid.
In addition, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced on Twitter that World Bank President for South Asia Martin Raiser had pledged $2 billion and that the Islamic Development Bank had pledged $4.2 billion.
Meanwhile, a senior USAID official stated that an additional $100 million in funding would be provided by Washington.
On the sidelines of the Geneva conference, USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman told reporters, “I am delighted to announce that the United States is making an additional $100 million commitment to Pakistan to help it recover from the devastating 2022 monster monsoon floods.”
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‘Race against time’
The premier had earlier stated that Pakistan would require $8 billion from its international partners over the next three years to rebuild after the devastating floods of last year.
PM Shehbaz stated in the conference’s opening address that the world was at a “turning point of history.”
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“It’s not just a question of how to survive; it’s also a question of how to keep our dignity and honor by moving forward with a sense of purpose and accomplishment,”
The premier recalled Pakistan’s experience with a “monsoon on steroids this year,” which affected 30 million people, displaced more than 8 million, and washed away roads that stretched over 8,000 kilometers.
One could go on and on, but the truth is that we are running out of time. We are grateful to the Asian Development Bank, United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and a number of other international organizations for their assistance.
In addition to the aid Pakistan received for flood rehabilitation, PM Shehbaz stated that the government “responded courageously” to the disaster.
Resilience funds were repurposed to provide cash grants of more than $400 million to more than 2.7 million households. They saved thousands of lives and quickly restored disrupted communications.
He argued that the “resource gap” was so wide that it needed to be reshaped, adding, “But nothing can go back to normal […] we will have to keep making tough choices and I am painfully aware that harsher reforms will make lives harsher than ever before.”
The premier went on to say that the 4RF, a comprehensive plan for recovery, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and resilience, had been developed by his government.
“Because the minimum funding of $16.3 billion is required, the first part of the plan reflects the recovery and reconstruction, with half coming from domestic resources and the other half from foreign resources,”
He explained that the second part of the plan included infrastructure and design that could withstand floods, like protecting highways and early warning systems. He said that $8 billion would be needed in three years.
“This conference today is not just about assisting in the rebuilding of lives; in fact, it is about the unity and vision required to guarantee a future not only on paper but also in schools and homes,” the speaker said.
“I am asking for your support for those who have lost their life savings, homes, and livelihoods and are facing the harsh winter under open skies,” Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized today.
“To meet this daunting challenge, I am requesting a sustained international support plan for a new lifeline for these people. Together, we must rebuild their dreams and lives,” he said.
‘Pakistan doubly victimised by climate change’
UN Chief Antonio Guterres urged the international community to make “massive investments” to assist Pakistan in his opening remarks at the Geneva moot.
The secretary-general said, “No country deserves to endure what happened to Pakistan,” pointing out that 9 million people had been pushed to the brink of poverty.
“However, the Pakistani people responded to this epic tragedy with heroism and humanity. The personal testimonies of the men and women I met in September will stay with me forever. They fled their homes in order to assist and rescue their neighbors.
He said that $16 billion would be needed to rebuild Pakistan in a strong way, but that “far more” would be needed in the long run.
Reconstruction of homes and buildings, as well as the redesign of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals, are all necessary in order to address the enormous social and environmental challenges that exist.
Read: Apocalyptic Floods of Pakistan
Further, Guterres stated that climate catastrophes and “morally bankrupt” global financial systems “doubly victimized” Pakistanis. This system frequently denies middle-income nations the debt relief and concessional relief they require to invest in natural disaster resilience.
As a result, he argued, developing nations required inventive approaches to obtaining debt relief and concessional financing.
“We must be open about the heinous injustices that developing nations endure as a result of climate change. Go to Pakistan if there is any doubt about damage or loss. It is true that climate change has caused havoc.
Guterres said toward the end of his speech that today’s conference was the first step on a long road to Pakistan’s recovery and reconstruction.
He said that the United Nations would be there for the country and that every step would be motivated by the tenacity and generosity of the Pakistani people in this important and huge mission.
Editorials: Floods Making History in Pakistan
‘Turkiye stands ready to contribute to immediate needs of victims’
In the meantime, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkiye was prepared to support the reconstruction process and meet the immediate requirements of disaster victims in Pakistan.
At the Geneva conference, in a video statement, he talked about how Turkish people helped Pakistani people through difficult times and would continue to do so in the future.
When the disaster struck Pakistan, Turkey sent “more than 7500 tonnes of humanitarian aid” on 15 planes and 13 trains, President Erdogan said.
He went on to say that the nation had also sent two ships carrying over 1,630 tons of humanitarian aid and “shared the products we obtained locally, with the victims [of the floods].”
The Turkish president concluded, “The disaster demonstrates what devastation climate change can cause.”
Will need support for the next several years: Bilawal
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized earlier in his speech that Pakistan will require substantial support over the next few years to implement a comprehensive plan for flood recovery.
He informed the moot that “at least half of the framework plan will be implemented from our own resources.”
He emphasized that the Pakistani government had collaborated with international organizations like the United Nations, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and European Union to create a comprehensive framework document on resilience, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.
We are already working to rebuild homes, villages, roads, and communication networks at the level of our local communities.
Bilawal promised that the government would turn the challenge of recovery and reconstruction into an opportunity to construct a Pakistani economy that is dynamic and sustainable and more resilient.
We are determined to carry it out in a manner that is collaborative, open, and transparent. This conference was organized to show international solidarity with Pakistan as it begins the process of rebuilding.
He thanked the United Nations for holding the conference. Rebuilding damaged infrastructure and meeting the immediate needs of the affected population continue to be our top priorities.
Pakistan committed to its international obligations: Dar
In the meantime, Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar, stated that the country was dedicated to meeting its international obligations.
He asserted that the nation was proceeding in accordance with its macroeconomic fiscal agenda, which he stated focused on increasing revenues, spending on programs in the social sector, decreasing expenditure, and establishing additional fiscal space for rehabilitation and reconstruction.
“At the moment, Pakistan is experiencing difficulties as a result of additional expenditures incurred and anticipated for flood-related rescue and rehabilitation requirements.
Dar emphasized, “While Pakistan is implementing the necessary fiscal reforms, we believe we urgently require short-term assistance as we navigate a number of challenges.”
“We are also looking at our own budget inflows and assistance during the remainder of the current fiscal year in order for the government to continue providing relief,” according to our urgent expectation. “Our urgent expectation is not merely a commitment for resources.”
Source: Dawn.com | AFP | Reuters