English and Computer Chasing Her Dream to Get an Education

UNITED NATIONS PAKISTAN Magazine

5 - 6 / 2018

Special Features: – UDHR 70: Human Rights through Cinematography – 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence – HIV & AIDS: know your status – Food Security – UN Day

real lives: stories that inspire us guest in town messages and quotes by antónio Refugee girl aspires to become her The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UN guterres, secretary-general of Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs country’s first female foreign minister the united nations and Emergency Relief Coordinator and UNHCR’s Page 57 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Director for Asia and Pacific visit Pakistan Page 113 Layer news and events Page 122 Powering sustainable development with access to information farewell Bidding Farewell to Dr Assai Ardakani, Former photo album Page 61 Head of Country Office, WHO in Pakistan Page 127 Page 121 The United Nations Pakistan Newsletter is produced by the United Nations Communications Group

Editor in Chief: Neil Buhne, Resident Coordinator, United Nations Pakistan

Editor: Vlastimil Samek, Director a.i, United Nations Information Centre

Deputy Editor and Content Producer: Ishrat Rizvi, National Information Officer, United Nations Information Centre

Sub Editor: Chiara Hartmann, Consultant, United Nations Information Centre

Photos Producer: Umair Khaliq, IT Assistant, United Nations Information Centre

Graphic Designer: Mirko Neri, Consultant, United Nations Information Centre

Contributors: Anam Abbas, Mahira Afzal, Qaiser Afridi, Rizwana Asad, Habib Asgher, Jawad Aziz, Shaheryar Fazil, Mehr Hassan, Mahwish Humayun, Fatima Inayet, Adresh Laghari, Abdul Sami Malik, Waqas Rafique, Aana Raisani, Ishrat Rizvi, Maliha Shah, Zikrea Saleh, Asif Shahzad, Maryam Younus. INDEX United Nations Pakistan / Magazine / 5 - 6 / 2018

|7| Editor’s note special feature special feature udhr 70: human rights through 16 days of activism against gender-based violence cinematography

|9| Human Rights Day 10 December |17| International Day for the |22| The government of Khyber 2018 Elimination of Violence against Pakhtunkhwa joins UN Women in |10| UDHR 70 and Pakistan Women 25 November 2018 saying no to gender-based violence |11| European Union and Human |18| Calling for an end to child Rights marriage in Pakistan at ‘16 Days’ |23| Campus talk in Peshawar event in Mithi |12| Fourth edition of Film |23| Standing up against gender- Festival “Human Rights through |19| Ending cyber harassment on- based violence and sexual Cinematography” campus and off-campus in harassment in Khairpur, Sindh Pakistan at ‘16 Days’ event at |15| COMSATS University observed |23| Theater performance in St. John SZABIST University Human Rights Day and 70th Vianney High School, Peshawar anniversary of the Universal |20| Critical need to establish |24| Campus talk in Balochistan special health, education and Declaration of Human Rights |24| Interactive community theatre in other fundamental facilities for Balochistan Women with Disabilities |25| Proceedings of awareness sessions |21| CEOs of private companies from special feature on drug abuse and its impact on Karachi pledge their commitment hiv & aids: “know your status” users, especially women for action on Gender Equality |25| Seminar on gender-based violence |27| World AIDS Day 2018 in Lahore |27| Message by H.E Imran Khan, Prime Minister, Islamic Republic of special feature Pakistan un day |28| Message by Mr. Aamer Mehmood Kiani, Federal Minister |37| UN Day |40| United Nations staff for National Health Services, commemorates UN Day! Regulations & Coordination |39| Ministry of Foreign Affairs and United Nations Pakistan |41| Thematic art exhibition and |29| Strengthening the HIV response in celebrates 73rd Anniversary of the discussion with Youth on United Pakistan United Nations Nations Day-2018 |30| World AIDS Day: Know Your Status |31| The time for action is NOW! special feature |32| Commemorating 30th Anniversary food security of World AIDS Day |34| Round Table Interactive Dialogue |43| World Food Day |51| FAO and Pakistan sign Country with Parliamentarians on HIV and |43| Zero Hunger: our actions today Programming Framework AIDS are our future tomorrow 2018-2022 |35| KNOW YOUR STATUS: |45| Investing in Zero Hunger in |52| Pakistan launches consultation on Leading by an example: Getting Pakistan national action plan for nutrition tested for HIV & encouraging |47| “Our actions are our future. |53| Pakistan announced fourth largest others to “know their status” A #zero hunger world by 2030 is producer of chickpeas in the world possible.” by FAO report real lives: stories that inspire us |48| World Food Day marked by UN |54| New strategies unfold to improve Food and Agriculture Organization agriculture in Balochistan |57| Refugee girl aspires to become her all over Pakistan. |55| Promoting exchange of innovative country’s first female foreign |49| Supporting development of agri-technologies through minister national e-agriculture strategy for universities |58| A legend in Tharparkar Pakistan |56| FAO launches Pakistan Dietary |59| Giving Pakistani Adolescents a Guidelines for Better Nutrition second chance in Balochistan |60| Afghan refugee elder sees no progress without girls’ education INDEX

news and events

access to information education |98| Awareness raising campaign |61| Powering sustainable |78| International Literacy Day on OSH in the construction sector of Karachi development with access to |79| Launch of the Global Education information Monitoring population |99| The State of World Population children gender equality and women’s 2018 |62| National Complementary Feeding empowerment Assessment (NCFA) launched |80| Engro Energy & UN Women refugees and migrants |63| Breastfeeding: foundation for a pledge to advance women’s |100| International Migrants Day healthy Life empowerment in Thar |101| UNHCR welcomes Pakistan’s |64| Half of world’s teens experience |81| Building women’s capabilities to decision to extend stay of peer violence in and around engage with ICT Afghan refugees school |82| ICT for Girls |102| Integrated homestead gardening |65| On International Day of the Girl, |84| Trailblazers of Thar for Afghan refugees in Balochistan UNICEF calls on improving health employability skills |86| Saving lives of women and girls |103| Japan pledges USD 2.7 million |62| World Prematurity Day : care for in cross border areas in Pakistan to support Afghan refugees and preterm babies imperative to |87| Mobility support for EPI Pakistani youth improve Child Survival Indicators in Programme in Pakistan sdgs Pakistan |88| Kick-starting Pakistan’s mass |104| Pakistan on the path towards |67| Promoting respect for diversity measles immunisation campaign achieving SDGs under One UN among children through puppet |89| Calling on young innovators Programme III show to design solutions for improved |105| Serena Hotels and UNDP climate change menstrual hygiene practices join hands to support Sustainable |68| Launch of clean and green |90| “One Team One Goal - Development in Pakistan Pakistan programme Acknowledging, Retaining and |106| WFP and erstwhile FATA |69| Creating a new framework of Enabling” Secretariat renew commitment to national goals cooperation to support industrial development Climate Action |91| Raising skills of energy urban development culture professionals and adopting a |107| Improving municipal solid waste |70| Kalasha practice of Suri Jagek cluster approach management critical for enters UNESCO’s Intangible |92| Workshops on Energy sustainable urban development Culture in Need of Urgent Management System |108| Tencent-UNDP partner to launch Safeguarding List Implementation held nation-wide Connecting Cities to Solutions disaster risk reduction |93| Sialkot Tannery Association and volunteerism UNIDO organize workshop on |72| Japan supports WFP for cleaner production techniques |109| International Volunteer Day seasonal livelihood programming recognizes volunteer’s in newly merged tribal districts labour contributions towards building |73| Efforts continue to build disaster |94| Exposure visit of government resilient communities officials from Pakistan to the resilience youth’s empowerment work on labour inspection in the drugs and crime Philippines |110| Royal Norwegian Embassy partners up for the social and |74| Awareness raising campaign |95| Promoting fundamental economic empowerment of against Trafficking in Persons principles and rights at work in youth in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Smuggling of Migrants Pakistan’s cotton, textile and rolls out garment value chains |111| International Student’s Convention and Expo - 2018 |75| Building the operational capacity |96| The future of work and the of the Anti Narcotics Force significance of effective collective |112| Balochistan University of |76| Training on “Understanding and bargaining and negotiations Information Technology (BUITEMS) named SDG Hub for Presenting Circumstantial Evidence |97| Global Wage Report 2018/19: Goal 8 by UNAI in Terrorism Trials” What lies behind Gender Pay |77| Vulnerability of various age and Gap gender groups United Nations Pakistan / Magazine / 5 - 6 / 2018

guest in town farewell

|113| The UN High Commissioner for |119| WHO Regional Director praises |121| Bidding Farewell to Dr Assai Refugees, UN Under-Secretary- Pakistan’s strong political Ardakani, Former Head of Country General for Humanitarian Affairs commitment to achieving Office, WHO in Pakistan and Emergency Relief Coordinator universal health coverage on and UNHCR’s Director for Asia official visit and Pacific visit Pakistan |120| UN Women Executive Director |114| Joint Communique takes #HearMeToo to Pakistan |117| Providing free treatment to poor cancer patients |118| Investing in youth will pay dividends for peace and prosperity

messages and quotes by antónio guterres, secretary-general of the united nations

|122| International Day for the |123| World Mental Health Day |125| International Anti-Corruption Day Preservation of the Ozone Layer – 10 October 2018 – 9 December 2018 – 16 September 2018 |123| World Cities Day |125| International Day of |122| International Day of Peace – 10 October 2018 Commemoration and Dignity of – 21 September 2018 |124| International Day to End the Victims of the Crime of |122| World Tourism Day: “Tourism Impunity for Crimes against Genocide and of the Prevention of and the digital transformation” Journalists – 2 November 2018 this Crime – 9 December 2018 – 27 September 2018 |124| International Day of Solidarity |125| International Universal Health |123| International Day of Non-Violence with the Palestinian People Coverage Day – 12 December – 2 October 2018 – 29 November 2018 2018 |123| World Post Day – 9 October 2018 |124| Tsunami Awareness Day |125| International Migrants Day – 18 December 2018 |123| International Day of the Girl Child – 5 November 2018 – 11 October 2018 |124| International Day of Persons with |123| International Day for the Disabilities – 3 December 2018 Eradication of Poverty |124| International Volunteer Day – 17 October 2018 – 5 December 2018|

photo album

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editor’s note Editor’s Note

al human rights law, an inspiration for food security, are some of the projects countries, people and organisations to showcased. protect people’s rights. In the occasion In addition, the United Nations High of this important anniversary, the fourth Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo edition of the Film Festival “ Human Grandi, the UN Under-Secretary-Gen- rights through cinematography “ was eral for Humanitarian Affairs and Emer- held across Pakistani cities, with doc- gency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Mark umentaries featuring themes such as Lowcock and UNHCR’s Director for freedom of expression, gender equality, Asia and Pacific, Mr. Indrika Ratwatte and access to justice among others. visited Pakistan during this period.The On 1 December, the United Nations in UN High Commissioner for Refugees The 5-6 joint issue of the United Nations Pakistan commemorated the 30th An- met with Pakistan government officials, Pakistan magazine brings to you an up- niversary of World AIDS Day in close including the Prime Minister, attended date on the numerous important initia- collaboration with the Government at events and met with refugee families tives that unfolded in the past months. both Federal and Provincial levels, and returning to Afghanistan in Khyber Pa- With a new year ahead of us, we look with Civil Society Organizations in com- khtunkhwa. Pakistan’s generosity in forward to building on this momentum munities around the country. The year’s hosting one of the world’s largest popu- together and keep collaborating on is- theme was Know Your Status — a lations for decades was acknowledged. movement envisaged to reach people sues of employment, migration, gender UN Women Executive Director Phumzile living with HIV whose status is unknown equality, food security, health, educa- Mlambo-Ngcuka also had her first offi- by encouraging testing and linking them tion, environment and many more. cial visit to Pakistan, aiming to bolster to quality care and life-saving treatment the gender equality agenda in the coun- From 25 November to 10 December, services. By providing one platform for try, meeting with government officials, the 16 Days of Activism against Gen- parliamentarians, media, healthcare participating in interactive dialogues der-Based Violence Campaign galva- providers and community activists to on ending harassment of women with nized action to end violence against come together, the United Nations en- disabilities and drawing attention to women and girls around the world. abled stakeholders to jointly promote UN Women’s existing tools for women Following global movements such as awareness and spread quality infor- emancipation and empowerment. In MeToo and TimesUp, the UN theme for mation about HIV to the population at late December, Ahmed Al-Mandhari, this year’s 16 Days of Activism against large. Efforts towards this end are high- WHO Regional Director for the East- Gender-Based Violence Campaign was lighted in this issue. ern Mediterranean was also welcomed “ Orange the World : HearMeToo “. In World Food Day was also an opportu- on his first official visit to Pakistan, -ap an effort to make the stories of those nity to take stock of the progress made plauding efforts to boost health and who were not yet captured by the lime- in our shared journey toward Zero Hun- health care in the country. light of the media heard, events were ger. This issue highlights the numerous held across Pakistani provinces. This efforts of the UN entities in Pakistan I would like to express my gratitude to edition highlights the university talks, made towards food security, improved the members of the UN Communica- theatre performances, awareness ses- nutritional status, inclusion of women tions Group and the UN Country Team sions, and seminars touching upon var- and youth in agriculture. New means of for their continued support for this mag- ied aspects of Gender Based Violence, agricultural development in challenging azine and for working in partnership and the solutions to put a halt to this rural areas; the elaboration of compre- to communicate and help achieve the phenomenon. hensive dietary guidelines for the gen- Sustainable Development Goals in Pa- 70 years ago, the Universal Declara- eral public to adopt healthy eating and kistan. tion of Human Rights was signed by reduce disease; road mapping an e-ag- 48 countries, including Pakistan. A riculture strategy; and the signing of a Neil Buhne key document then, it has become a five-year agreement for the former FATA Resident Coordinator, United foundation underpinning all internation- districts to achieve key goals regarding Nations Pakistan udhr 70: human rights focusthrough on cinematography

special feature: UDHR 70: HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH CINEMATOGRAPHY

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 8 udhr 70: human rights through cinematography Human Rights Day

10 December 2018

By António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General

“For 70 years, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been a global beacon – shining a light for dignity, equality and well-being… and bringing hope to dark places.

The rights proclaimed in the Declaration apply to everyone – no matter our race, belief, location or other distinction of any kind.

Human rights are universal and eternal.

They are also indivisible. One cannot pick and choose among civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.”

9 udhr 70: human rights focusthrough on cinematography UDHR 70 and Pakistan

By Neil Buhne, Resident Coordinator, United Nations Pakistan

Our shared objective of this international film festival was to increase knowledge of human rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights among Pakistani audience especially students through the cre- ative medium of films. I believe that documentaries and films play a powerful role in understanding the diverse nature of cultures, people and issues around the world For Pakistan, as for the UN, human rights are an integral concept, and have been from its creation, through joining the United Nations in 1947, being an original signatory to the Uni- versal Declaration of Human Rights, to such rights being enshrined in the Constitution and being implemented through development programmes including to meet the SDGs. The achievements on human rights protection and promotion in Pakistan issuing recommendations on human years, the Universal Declaration of include an unprecedented number of rights challenges to other member Human Rights has been a global laws being passed in recent years, states. Pakistan has ratified seven beacon – shining a light for dignity, as well as the establishment of the international core human rights trea- equality and well-being … and bring- National Human Rights Commission ties, and voluntarily committed to ing hope to dark places.” and the Commission on the Status of their implementation. The United Nations family is deeply Women. The United Nations in Pakistan works committed to support Pakistan’s own Pakistan is a founding member of the in a wide variety of ways to support efforts to ensure that the full range Geneva-based Human Rights Coun- the government in helping human of human rights can be enjoyed by cil and its Universal Periodic Review, rights to be observed and to contrib- everyone in Pakistan. a unique peer review process of every ute to sustainable development. This member states’ human rights record. is done through integrating, address- Over the last year Pakistan has been ing and promoting human rights in among the most active participants our day to day work. in this review process by submitting In the words of the UN Secretary its own reports to the Council and by General, Antonio Guterres: “For 70

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 10 udhr 70: human rights through cinematography European Union and Human Rights

By Jean-François Cautain, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan

The European Union was born out of WWII, which saw large-scale severe human rights violations across Europe. It is for this reason that the European Union is strongly committed to fostering human rights protection in Europe and around the world. While promoting human rights worldwide, the European Union and its Member States acknowledge that problems do still exist in Europe and that they must be tackled. The films selected to celebrate the 2018 In- ternational Human Rights Day show that all around the world, people are still suffering from violations of their basic and fundamental human rights.

Building on the success of the past editions of the Human Rights through Cinematography Film Festival, the 4th edition of the festival is a presentation and we will screen three documen- posure, reflection and debate that we of 26 documentaries on human rights taries on gender equality, access to gain deeper understanding of each issues around the world. The festival justice and freedom of expression other and the world around us. will run from November 25 to Decem- November 29 to December 01, 2018. ber 10 and will travel to nine cities in- No country is exempt from doing its cluding Gujrat, Islamabad, Karachi, Art and Culture in general and docu- utmost to ensure that human rights Lahore, Multan, Mardan, Peshawar, mentary film in particular, is increas- are cultivated, protected and en- Quetta, Rawalpindi and Swat. The ingly playing an important role for forced at all levels and in all parts of aim this year is to go to more univer- understanding the world and its peo- the world. The EU stands firm with sities and schools and encourage de- ple. New stories and narratives from Pakistan in its efforts for protection of bates related to Universal Declaration all around the world form a basis the human rights with special focus of Human Rights. for more inclusive and in-depth dia- on gender equality, freedom of reli- This year, also, in order to reach out logues on human rights issues rele- gion and belief, rule of law, access to to wide audience including general vant for all of us. Our aim has been justice and freedom of expression. Pakistani public and students, we are to take this festival to students and taking the human rights film festival universities around Pakistan because for the first time to Cineplex Cinema we have learnt that it is through ex-

11 udhr 70: human rights focusthrough on cinematography Fourth edition of Film Festival “Human Rights through Cinematography”

The fourth edition of the Film Festival Human Rights and human rights of Human Rights, Goethe-Institute, “Human Rights through Cinematog- challenges people are facing in differ- OLOMOPOLO Media, the Centaurus raphy”, marking the 70 years of the ent corners of the world. Cineplex, Pakistan Chowk Commu- Universal Declaration of Human Screenings were followed by discus- nity Centre, Pakistan Institute for Par- Rights successfully concluded in Is- sion sessions with film makers, jour- liamentary Services, Justice Project lamabad on the Human Rights Day, nalists, government and civil society Pakistan and the Pakistan National 10 December 2018. representatives as well as human Council of Arts. The festival started on 25 November rights defenders who shared with The organizers would also like to ex- and presented 27 documentaries participants, including universities press a special thanks to all the young from all around the world on vari- and schools’ students their views volunteers - students of the universi- ous human rights related, featuring about human rights violations and the ties in Islamabad and Rawalpindi for themes like freedom of expression, ways how they could be solved. their dedicated support in engag- gender equality, minority rights, ac- Led by the European Union and Unit- ing the Youth and valuable support cess to justice and death penalty. ed Nations Pakistan, the festival was of the organizing of the screenings. Presentations took place in 9 cities in supported by a number of partners These universities include: Arid Ag- Pakistan including Islamabad, Rawal- from member states including Aus- riculture University, Bahria University, pindi, Lahore, Gujrat, Multan, Kara- tralia, Austria, Argentina, Belgium, COMSATS Institute of Information chi, Quetta, Peshawar and Charsada. Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Technology, Fatima Jinnah Women The objective of the film festival was Denmark, France, Germany, Nor- University, Foundation University, In- to deepen among Pakistani audience way, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, ternational Islamic University, IQRA especially the Youth the knowledge Sweden, Switzerland and the In- University, Lahore Crammer School, about the Universal Declaration of ternational Film Festival and Forum National Defense University, Nation-

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 12 udhr 70: human rights through cinematography

13 udhr 70: human rights focusthrough on cinematography

al University of Modern Languag- es, National University of Science and Technology, Preston University, Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad, The Institute of Legal Studies , the Millennium University Collage and My University. A very high value is also having the cooperation with the University of Gujrat, Habib University, University of Swat, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, University of Baluchistan, Bahauddin Zakariya University Mul- tan, University of Peshawar, Institute of Business Administration Karachi, UMT School of Law and Policy, Na- tional College of Arts and University of Punjab in Lahore and Fatima Jin- nah Women University in Rawalpindi. And finally, thanks to the teams of the United Nations Information Cen- tre and Delegation of the European Union for their relentless support during the whole Film Festival.

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 14 udhr 70: human rights through cinematography COMSATS University observed Human Rights Day and 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Students at the COMSATS Uni- versity in Islamabad observed the Human Rights Day with thematic messages of peace, tolerance, harmony, co-existence and respect for human rights. The United Nations Secretary-Gen- eral Antonio Guterres in his video message highlighted that human rights are universal and eternal and called on all the people to stand up for human rights — for everyone, everywhere. Event was organized within a 4-day International Students Convention and Expo 2018 by the COMSATS University in cooperation with Inter to every day, need for peace for University Consortium of more than sustainable development, especial- 50 partner organizations includ- ly in the parts of the world affected ing the United Nations Information by armed conflicts, etc. Centre in Islamabad. Thematic multilingual documen- Rector of the COMSATS University taries that included messages in professor Raheel Qamar and Mr. languages spoken of Pakistan ex- Vlastimil Samek, Director a.i. of the plained the concept, importance United Nations Information Centre and principles of human rights and in Islamabad shared with the partic- Universal Declaration of Human ipants their views about the impor- Rights were also presented during tance of the human rights-based the event. approach, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and access to information. Speakers – young students from Pakistan and Afghanistan as well as from other parts of the world highlighted the importance of peaceful solution of the conflict in Afghani- stan, challenges that people living with disabilities are being exposed

15 16 days of activism against genderfocus-based on violence

special feature: 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 16 16 days of activism against gender-based violence International Day for the Elimination of

Violence against Women 25 November 2018

By António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations

Violence against women is tied to nities and countries. But while this broader issues of power and con- initial investment is significant, it is trol in our societies. We live in a small given the scale of need. It male-dominated society. Women should be seen as seed funding for are made vulnerable to violence a global movement. Not until the through the multiple ways in which half of our population represented we keep them unequal. by women and girls can live free In the past year we have seen grow- from fear, violence and everyday in- ing attention to one manifestation of security, can we truly say we live in this violence. Sexual harassment a fair and equal world. is experienced by most women at some point in their lives. Increas- ing public disclosure by women from all regions and all walks of life is bringing the magnitude of the problem to light and demonstrating the galvanizing power of women’s Violence against women and girls is movements to drive the action and a global pandemic. It is a moral af- awareness needed to eliminate har- front to all women and girls, a mark assment and violence everywhere. of shame on all our societies and a This year, the global United Nations major obstacle to inclusive, equita- UNiTE campaign to end violence ble and sustainable development. against women and girls is high- At its core, violence against women lighting our support for survivors and girls is the manifestation of a and advocates under the theme profound lack of respect – a failure ‘Orange the World: #HearMeToo’. by men to recognize the inherent With orange as the unifying col- equality and dignity of women. It our of solidarity, the #HearMeToo is an issue of fundamental human hashtag is designed to send a clear rights. message: violence against women Violence can take many forms -- and girls must end now, and we all from domestic attacks to traffick- have a role to play. ing, from sexual violence in conflict The same message resonates to child marriage, genital mutilation through the EU-UN Spotlight Initi- and femicide. It harms the indi- ative. This 500-million-euro pro- vidual and has far-reaching conse- gramme will empower survivors quences for families and society. and advocates to become agents This is also a deeply political issue. of change in their homes, commu-

17 16 days of activism against genderfocus-based on violence Calling for an end to child marriage in Pakistan at ‘16 Days’ event in Mithi

Making one of Pakistan’s most impov- for men. In April 2014, the provincial report cases of under-aged marriage. erished districts the first stop of her Sindh Assembly unanimously adopt- She also urged the religious leaders first official visit to the country, Unit- ed the Sindh Child Marriage Re- who solemnize marriages to confirm ed Nations Under-Secretary-General straint Act, making marriage under whether the bride and groom are of and UN Women Executive Director the age of 18 a punishable offence. legal age, stressing the importance of Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka today However, Minister Raza said more birth certificates and national identity called upon the entire community to public awareness and oversight by cards for verification child is 18. end child marriage and voice their relevant authorities are needed to en- Social and gender inequality, a de- commitment to change the lives of sure adherence to the law. sire to control women’s sexuality girls and young women for the better. 300 residents, notables of the area, government officials, civil society representatives and members of the local press gathered at the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Cultural Complex in the district capital, Mithi, at an event to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign. Calling on religious and traditional leaders to use their position of authority to take a stand against violence and protect the rights of girls, the Executive Director received pledges to make Mithi a ‘zero child marriage’ village and set an example for others to follow. Child marriage is a fundamental hu- and protect family honour, econom- The Minister for Women Develop- man rights violation that constitutes ic hardship and lack of awareness of ment for the Province of Sindh, Sye- a grave threat to young girls’ lives, the harmful impact of child marriage da Shehla Raza, said that early child health and future prospects. It is are common driving factors. Working marriage is among the contributing estimated that there are 650 million with men and boys is critical to end factors to both relatively high rates of women and girls in the world today such marriages as in many commu- maternal and child mortality in Thar- who were married before age 18. nities where men hold the power and parkar, which needs urgent attention At the national 16 Days of Activism make the decisions. through multi-pronged interventions. event in this southeast district of Pakistan’s Child Marriage Re- Pakistan, the Executive Director en- straint Act 1929 sets the legal age couraged families and the communi- for marriage at 16 for women and 18 ty to be more vigilant to prevent and

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 18 16 days of activism against gender-based violence Ending cyber harassment on-campus and off-campus in Pakistan at ‘16 Days’ event at SZABIST University

Cyber harassment on-campus and off-campus is as damaging to women as physical violence and abuse, United Nations Under-Sec- retary-General and UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlam- bo-Ngcuka said to students and faculty members of SZABIST, the country’s leading technological university, as she called for their commitment to speak out for sexual harassment at campuses to end. This is a new driver of potential harmful gender inequality as more and more Universities and students gain internet access. To be disconnected from technology in the 21st century, is like having your freedom disrupted: your right to learn, your right to work, your right to meet people, your freedom of speech. We need to constantly make the point about the advantages of education and technology for women. Ms. Nasreen Haque, Vice Presi- dent of SZABIST, Karachi Campus, speaking on behalf of SZABIST- proposed a Consortium of Chairs of anti-sexual harassment committees of universities of Karachi to share ers accountable. #HearMeToo aims universities. In any University, sex- their experiences. to support all those whose voices ual assault and sexual harassment This year, the UN’s theme for Inter- are still not yet being heard. is unacceptable. The safety and national Day for the Elimination of Pakistan’s anti-sexual harassment wellbeing of students and staff who Violence against Women is “Orange laws recognize that sexual harass- disclose or report sexual assault or the World: #HearMeToo”. As the ment is a form of discrimination sexual harassment needs to be the #MeToo and #TimesUp movement against women and a human rights priority of Universities and at the picks up in Pakistan, more cases violation, that occurs in many are- centre of the University response. are being reported, making offend- nas of life, including schools and

19 16 days of activism against genderfocus-based on violence Critical need to establish special health, education and other fundamental facilities for Women with Disabilities

Executive Director UN Women, Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has ad- vised the government to establish specialized health, education and other fundamental facilities for Women with Disabilities (WWDs) to offset the feeling of being marginalized and lesser human beings. There are a large number of people living with disabilities across the world, however, they have always remained a minority in each society, she observed during a roundtable discussion “harassment faced by women with disabilities”. Executive Director UN Women said there are over a billion disabled persons in the world, apparently a very large number, and the proportion of women is far higher than that of men. The roundtable discussion was organized by UN Women and Handicap International (HI) to celebrate the resilience of Pakistani Women With Disa- bilities who have stood up against the ing renowned activist and UN Women tabled law for disabled persons would challenges of harassment and violence, National Goodwill Ambassador Ms. be implemented on priority basis. and was part of ‘16 Days of Activism’ Muniba Mazari.Minister for Human While briefing about the Empowering against Gender Based Violence cam- Rights, Dr. Shireen Mazari informed the Women with Disabilities (EWWDs) pro- paign. Participants of the event includ- audience that the ordinance to protect ject, Ms Angelina Robinson shared ini- ed dignitaries like Ms. Phumzile Mlam- the rights of persons with disabilities tial findings of project baseline – issues, bo-Ngcuka, Executive Director UN was now going to be part of formal experiences, challenges, opportunities Women and Under-Secretary General legislation after consent from Parlia- and barriers for WWD. The project was United Nations, Ms. Shireen Mazari, ment as the bill had been approved by implemented in different areas of the Federal Minister for Human Rights, Mr. cabinet in its recent meeting. The bill, country including Islamabad, Pesha- Neil Buhne, UN Resident Coordinator, she explained, included clauses on war, Karachi, and some other parts of Ms. Angelina Robinson, Program Di- right to education, right to dignity, right Punjab and Sindh. rector, Handicap International Pakistan to privacy and some other important In the concluding remarks, Mr Jam- and Mr. Jamshed Kazi, Country Rep- clauses. Dr Mazari recalled that many shed Kazi stated that to protect the resentative of UN Women Pakistan as human rights laws were not being im- rights of disabled persons was equal well as some outstanding women with plemented which, she termed, was responsibility of everyone. disabilities from across Pakistan includ- very unfortunate. She assured that the

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 20 16 days of activism against gender-based violence CEOs of private companies from Karachi pledge their commitment for action on Gender Equality

Karachi: Empowering women to par- Chamber of Commerce & Industry Pakistan where women work primarily ticipate fully in economic activities (OICCI), the Executive Director high- in the home or on the farm while their across all sectors and levels is not only lighted the fact that the awareness is participation in work outside these ar- essential for improving quality of life for increasing, and the immense poten- eas, particularly in formal employment, women, men, families and communi- tial of women and girls can simply not is extremely low. Despite growing by ties but also for building strong econ- be ignored. She encouraged private more than half over the past two dec- omies and achieving internationally sector companies to sign the Women ades, female labor force participation agreed goals for development, sus- Empowerment Principles (WEP) and to in Pakistan is still well below than oth- tainability and human rights as well as take measures for expanding options er countries with similar incomes, and propelling businesses’ operations and for women to avail formal employment even among women with a high level goals. United Nations Under-Secre- opportunities in decent work environ- of education, labor force participation tary-General and UN Women Execu- ments. Underscoring the crucial role of is low — only about 25% of Pakistani tive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcu- private sector in empowering women women who have a university degree ka in her dialogue with Chief Executive to participate in economic develop- work outside the home, he added. Officers (CEOs) of private companies ment, Regional Director of UN Wom- UN Women has been working with the today stressed upon the corporate en for Asia and Pacific Anna-Karin Private sector companies in Pakistan leaders to be more proactive towards JATFORS shared her views on global since 2015. These companies are en- embracing gender equality in their trends of women’s economic empow- couraged to include and increase the operations. While responding to the erment and the benefits earned by the number of women in their workforce at call from Executive Director, CEOs of societies by ensuring gender equality. each level. Because of UN Women’s 10 private companies from Karachi She encouraged private sector com- efforts, more than 1,000 women have pledged their commitment for action panies in Pakistan to establish some joined the organized sector in Punjab. on gender equality. level of commitments on implementing Fifty-six companies have signed the During the Dialogue, being held as a gender equality priorities in their re- UN Global Compact and UN Wom- part of the 16 Days of Activism against spective organizations. en’s ‘Women’s Empowerment Princi- Gender-based Violence campaign Country Representative of UN Women ples (WEP)’ in Pakistan since its launch as a result of collaboration between in Pakistan Jamshed Kazi highlighted since April 2015. UN Women and Overseas Investors the trends of labor force participation in

21 16 days of activism against genderfocus-based on violence The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa joins UN Women in saying no to gender-based violence

To commemorate the 16 days of Mr. Jamshed M.Kazi, Country Rep- erment Policy was documented and activism for ending violence against resentative, UN Women, also ad- launched officially by the Chief Min- women and girls, a launch event was dressed the audience, acknowledg- ister, KP, Mr. Parvaiz Khattak, which held at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ing the efforts of the KP government was a milestone achieved. Provincial Assembly, Peshawar with in combating gender-based violence the support of UN Women. Speaker, by introducing pro-women laws. Mushtaq Ghani, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The event was at- Ending violence against women is tended by members of Provincial Par- one of the top priorities for UN Wom- liament, women caucus members, en, who works with Governments to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission develop dedicated national action on the Status of Women (KPCSW), plans to prevent and address vio- United Nations, civil society and aca- lence against women, strengthening demia representatives along with stu- coordination among diverse actors dents from Shaheed Benazir Bhutto required for sustained and mean- University. ingful action. The Women Empow-

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 22 16 days of activism against gender-based violence Campus talk in Peshawar Theater performance in A Campus talk was held in the Uni- versity of Peshawar (UoP) to mark St. John Vianney the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence. More than High School, 150 students from the department of Social Work, University of Pe- Peshawar shawar and college of Home Eco- nomics, University of Peshawar, participated in the event along with senior management and faculty Members. The main purpose of arranging the seminar in the University of Peshawar was to orient students and teachers regarding the menace of gender-based violence and on the national law on Harassment at Workplace 2010.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the new- Standing up against ly merged tribal districts have been on the edge for decades. The root gender-based violence and cause for violence has a number of reasons, ranging from social fabric to cultural norms and religious beliefs. sexual harassment in The diverse social fabric is deeply enrooted and internalized violence in Khairpur, Sindh any form available, and women and girls including children are the most UN Women and Legal Rights Forum vulnerable. (LRF) as co-chairs of the Sindh Chap- Theater has been a source of direct ter of Ending Violence Against Women awareness for years and has been and Girls (EVAW/G) Alliance organized recently adopted by a number of dif- a seminar titled “Standing up Against ferent schools of thought to address Gender-Based Violence and Sexual issues or identify the gaps in the Harassment” at Ladies Gymkhana, surroundings and the system. It can Khairpur on December 1, 2018 to mark be considered an auto messaging the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence system. A theater performance was Against Women. The seminar featured arranged in a local school to raise a panel discussion, cultural perfor- awareness among parents and stu- mance, and keynote speech by Ms. dents on eliminating gender-based Nafisa Shah (local MNA - PPP). discrimination and violence.

23 16 days of activism against genderfocus-based on violence Campus talk in Balochistan

lochistan with the theme of “Orange the theme of #HearMeToo, Ayesha the World # Hear Me too sexual Wadood, head of UN Women Sub harassment at the work place”. 90 office Quetta highlighted the fact that Students including faculty members UN Women was established to ad- and administration participated in the dress the issues pertaining to women campus talk event. Vice Chancellor around the globe. She emphasized University of Balochistan Dr. Javed on gender equality and equity at all Iqbal appreciated the efforts made levels, and also briefed the partici- by UN Women in organizing such an pants about the significance of the event, and added that UOB is one of day. She added that false interpreta- the oldest institutions in Balochistan. tion of Quranic verses has created a The message deiminated here will be distorted society, UN Women would heard throughout the province, the soon be launching a book on Sharia UN Women office organized a cam- students are the sparks of change Laws based on exact references. pus talk event at the University of Ba- and it is them who will carry forward

Interactive community theatre in Balochistan

Interaction is the key to success, it where almost 250 Students, Aca- man rights and gender equality at all promotes cohesion between what is demic Staff and Administration were levels. The activity was organized in being promoted and what is gained. sensitized on VAW/EVAW & provi- collaboration with the Gender studies The idea of spreading messages sions of equal services for both wom- Department at the Auditorium within through community interactive the- en and men. The overall objective of the university of Balochistan. The ac- atre is new but has reaped positive the event was to create awareness tivity was also part of the 16 days of results. An Interactive community and gender sensitivity among the Activism campaign #HearMeToo. theater event was organized at the university students to ensure that University of Balochistan, Quetta, they understand the concept of Hu-

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 24 16 days of activism against gender-based violence Proceedings of awareness sessions on drug abuse and its impact on users, especially women

UN Women in Collaboration with local The sessions consisted on information organization Rights Research & Devel- and historical background of drugs, opment Foundation (RRDF), organized their uses and how it is affecting the four awareness and targeted advoca- lives of the women. This included de- cy sessions on drugs abuse and its toxification methods spanning from a impact on users, especially women three months program used by RRDF at the Christian Hospital, Government to treat drug abuse patients, to Psycho- girls Degree College, Jinnah Town, social services provided by the organi- Hazara Town, and Quetta Central Jail. zation. The objective of these sessions was to raise awareness and was part of the #HearMeToo campaign.

Seminar on gender-based violence in Lahore

Yasmin Rashid, while expressing her views as chief guest, under- scored the significance of treating sons and daughters equally within the family and starting the reform process right from home.

Provincial Head of UN Women, Ms. Hafsa Mazhar Siddiqui in her concluding remarks emphasized the need for all stakeholders to adopt an integrated approach to ending violence against women and girls and making sure victims and survivors have access to easy, safe and adequate help mechanisms. Need for effective implementation of GBV, organized by UN Women of legislative acts and laws for pro- in collaboration with the Strategic tection of women against violence Management Unit, Government of and equal representation was em- Punjab in Lahore. phasized by the speakers during a seminar on Gender Based Violence Provincial Minister of Punjab for (GBV) and Psycho-Social Effects Primary and Secondary Healthcare

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special feature: HIV & AIDS: “KNOW YOUR STATUS”

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 26 hiv & aids: “know your status”

World AIDS Day 2018 1 December 2018

By António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations

Thirty years after the first World AIDS discrimination are still holding people Day, the response to HIV stands at a back, especially key populations— in- crossroads. Which way we turn may cluding gay men and other men who define the course of the epidemic— have sex with men, sex workers, trans- whether we will end AIDS by 2030, or genders, people who inject drugs, whether future generations will carry prisoners and migrants—and young on bearing the burden of this devas- women and adolescent girls. Moreo- tating disease. More than 77 million ver, one in four people living with HIV people have become infected with HIV, do not know that they have the virus, and more than 35 million have died impeding them from making informed of an AIDS-related illness. Huge pro- decisions on prevention, treatment and gress has been made in diagnosis and other care and support services. There treatment, and prevention efforts have is still time -- to scale-up testing for HIV; avoided millions of new infections. Yet to enable more people to access treat- the pace of progress is not matching ment; to increase resources needed global ambition. New HIV infections to prevent new infections; and to end are not falling rapidly enough. Some re- the stigma. At this critical juncture, we gions are lagging behind, and financial need to take the right turn now. resources are insufficient. Stigma and

Message by H.E Imran Khan, Prime Minister, Islamic Republic of Pakistan

1st December marks the World AIDS ernment has committed handsome involvement and engagement of Civil Day that is globally celebrated each financial resources for HIV prevention Society, NGOs, UN and development year to strengthen the resolve and ef- and control. Pakistan is moving to- partners is needed to complement forts of Governments, affected and in- wards sustainable national financing government efforts in designing and fected communities, and people from and will continue to invest in this area. implementing HIV programs accord- all walks of life for HIV prevention and Policies to end the AIDS epidemic by ing to needs of the country. control of infection. 2030 as enshrined in the Sustainable I appreciate all those involved in the It provides an opportunity to raise Development Goals (SDGs) require in- fight against HIV and AIDS and am awareness and encourage people formed, evidence based, efficient, and sure that the hard work and efforts of and organizations to join the global innovative programming. A location for the HIV workforce will pay dividends in fight against the disease. It reminds us population approach with focused tar- terms of disease control and elimina- that HIV is preventable, HIV is treata- geted interventions. We all need to join tion. As we observe World AIDS Day, ble, and HIV is eliminable. The govern- hands to deliver effective interventions let us join hands to play our role in ment is strongly committed to ending to create awareness, fight stigma and raising awareness for HIV prevention the AIDS epidemic by 2030. To meet discrimination, provide free of cost HIV and control. the global and national targets, gov- testing and treatment facilities. Active

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Message by Mr. Aamer Mehmood Kiani, Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination

AIDS targets. It is imperative for our citizens to understand that every individual is at risk of HIV and AIDS and necessary preventive measures and healthy lifestyles need to be adopted. We must learn to hate the disease not the patient. Despite significant progress over the years, challenges persist in reaching the unreached key affected population. Focus on improving HIV testing and increasing access to HIV treatment for people living with HIV remains a priority for Today Pakistan joins the rest of the Ministry of National Health Services, world in observing World AIDS Day. Regulations and Coordination. Evi- This day is aimed at increasing dence informed, and human rights- awareness, fighting stigma and dis- based prevention programs are the crimination and educating people re- need of the hour to address the HIV garding HIV. The theme of this year epidemic in the country. is “Prevent, Test and Treat”. For a I am proud to be part of this cam- holist and robust HIV response, AIDS paign and take this opportunity to needs to be taken out of isolation, stress upon my fellow compatriots to HIV prevention and treatment needs join hands in defeating the disease. I to be delivered in all dimensions of believe it is the duty of each citizen of programming, including service deliv- this country to ensure that Pakistan ery, demand generation and support becomes HIV and AIDS free. for treatment adherence. As we approach the end of 2018, the Government has marked more intensified, coordinated and integrated approaches to address HIV and AIDS related issues by implementing Pakistan AIDS Strategy III 2017- 2021. Government of Pakistan is committed to adopting a high impact approach to end AIDS by 2030. It is vital that we leave no stone unturned in achieving the national and global

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 28 hiv & aids: “know your status”

Strengthening the HIV response in Pakistan

By Neil Buhne, Resident Coordinator, United Nations Pakistan

On 1st December 2018, the United Nations in Pakistan commemorated the 30th Anniversary of World AIDS Day in close collaboration with the Government at both Federal and Provincial levels, and with Civil So- ciety Organizations in communities around the country. The theme of this year’s event was Know Your Status and the United Nations ‘De- livered as One’ with support from its One Fund initiatives.

In Pakistan, a critical awareness gap impedes the uptake of prevention, testing and treatment, and this year, the Joint UN Team on HIV and AIDS signaled to communities, policy-makers, care providers and partners that working together is to address disease associated stig- and Coordination, the National essential if we are to achieve re- ma and discrimination, it also facil- AIDS Control Programme, UNAIDS, ductions in new infections. itated the uptake of preventive and the Joint UN Team, and Civil Soci- treatment services in Pakistan. ety Organizations, we can achieve I am proud to say that the Unit- an HIV-free Pakistan by 2030. ed Nations dedicated its efforts As a signatory of the Agenda for towards supporting policy imple- Sustainable Development, Paki- mentation, capacity-building and stan has committed to joining the advocacy work that reiterated its rest of the world to end the AIDS commitment to strengthen the HIV epidemic. Though we have come response in Pakistan. By providing a long way in the fight against HIV one platform for parliamentarians, since World AIDS Day was first media, healthcare providers and commemorated thirty years ago, community activists to come to- we still have a long way to go. The gether, the United Nations enabled United Nations remains fully com- stakeholders to jointly promote mitted to ending the HIV epidemic awareness and spread quality infor- in Pakistan. Working together with mation about HIV to the population our partners in the Ministry of Na- at large. By taking concrete steps tional Health Services, Regulation

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World AIDS Day: Know Your Status

By Dr. Maria Elena Borromeo, UNAIDS Country Director for Pakistan & Afghanistan and Mr. Asghar Satti, National Coordinator, Association for People Living with HIV and AIDS

partners in government as well as parliamentarians, media, religious leaders, private sector and civil society organisations to continue to raise awareness and deepen understanding about HIV and AIDS. Together, we must work to remem- ber that the HIV epidemic is relevant well beyond the groups that experience a disproportionate burden of HIV infections. From prevention to testing to treatment, stigma and abuses of human On December 1, the Association for that a rights-based approach is rights are still among the biggest People Living with HIV (APLHIV) in taken to recognise the complicated barriers to the uptake of all HIV ser- Pakistan stood alongside our part- nature of this epidemic. vices in Pakistan. When we work ners to commemorate the 30th An- Correct information is key and we with our constituents, we hear niversary of World AIDS Day. The know that knowledge is power again and again of discrimination year’s theme is Know Your Status and education is indeed a vaccine in healthcare settings. Individuals — a movement that is envisaged to against HIV. If a person knows his are judged and morally instructed, reach people living with HIV whose or her HIV status, he/she can make and some outreach programmes status is unknown by encouraging an informed decision on the fu- have even reported instances of testing and linking them to quality ture course of actions that needs staff being arrested by the police. care and life-saving treatment ser- to be taken. As we continue our Since 2010, Pakistan has seen vices. fight for access, we must ensure an increase of 45% in new HIV in- In Pakistan, the HIV epidemic dis- that correct information about pre- fections whereas in the last eight proportionately continues to impact vention, testing and treatment is years, youth aged 15-24 has seen key populations at substantially in- made widely available among at- an increase of 29%. These figures creased risk for HIV infection, and risk communities as well as among are alarming and we will be una- the APLHIV works every day to fulfil the general population. It is our re- ble to stop this epidemic if stigma, our vision of a society where peo- sponsibility to pay close attention discrimination and unavailability of ple living with, affected by or at risk to our young people. Today, we are confidential services continue to of contracting HIV, live with respect at a critical point where new HIV deter individuals’ pursuit of testing. and dignity. If we are to stop the cases are starting to grow outside Human rights, including the right to spread of this epidemic, we urgently of key populations. HIV is a virus health, must be upheld at all costs need to address barriers to access- that does not differentiate between to end AIDS as a public health ing information and HIV prevention at-risk communities and the pop- threat by 2030. and treatment services, to ensure ulation at large. We call upon our Beyond eliminating widespread in-

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 30 hiv & aids: “know your status” formation gaps and stigma, it is imperative that we address factors like The time for action is NOW! unemployment, homelessness, lack of education and lack of access to By Dr. Nima Saeed Abid, Acting WHO Representative in Pakistan social and healthcare. We need programming that is people-centered, gender-sensitive, tailored to specific needs and inclusive of meaningful participation from each individual community. By ensuring that the most vulnerable and at-risk are absorbed into social assistance programmes, we can address the inequality that ultimately maintains disparities in their access to health. As we work with our partners in the fight against AIDS, we know that gaining control of the epidemic requires strategic prevention programming coverage for individuals within key populations where the epidemic is concentrated. How- ever, this must happen alongside programmes that address issues of information, access, rights and inequality. Together, our collective commitment can improve the lives of people living with HIV and empower everyone to make dignified choices about treatment and prevention. Stigma and discrimination “Despite the commendable work As the HIV epidemic in the country need to be challenged from within being undertaken by the country expands, we can no longer wait to the communities which have a po- to fight the epidemic, we are still scale up access to more compre- tential in creating enabling environ- facing obstacles and challenges in hensive packages for prevention, ments and ensure easy access to providing access to lifesaving treat- testing and treatment. In moving sustained, accessible and afforda- ment and services. While the annu- towards the goal of universal health ble services. al number of new HIV infections in coverage, opportunities exist to other regions is declining, it is in- strengthen our response to HIV and creasing in Eastern Mediterranean end the AIDS epidemic, particularly Region and in Pakistan the number in the areas of ensuring financial risk of new HIV infections has been in- protection and providing access to creasing in recent years. Estimated quality essential health care ser- new infections increased to ap- vices and safe, effective care and proximately 20,000 in 2018, which treatment. The time for action is marks the highest rate of increase now.” among all regional countries.

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Commemorating 30th Anniversary of World AIDS Day

On 29 November 2018, UNAIDS was “Know Your Status” which has Elena Borromeo, UNAIDS Country and its partners came together to prioritized reaching those people Director for Pakistan & Afghani- commemorate the 30th Anniver- living with HIV whose status is un- stan said that the HIV infections in sary of World AIDS Day (WAD) at known by destigmatizing their ex- the past 7 years (2010-2017) had Pakistan National Council of Art in perience, encouraging testing and steadily increased, now at 45%. Islamabad. Gathering stakeholders linking them to quality care and Philippines, Pakistan and Malaysia from the Government, Civil Society, treatment. are the 3 countries in Asia Pacific Media, International Organizations During a session run by the National where the number of new infections and Academia, participants at this AIDS Coalition of Pakistan, Dr. Ba- is increasing. year’s event committed to intensify- seer Khan Achakzai, National Pro- Mr. Asghar Satti, National Coordi- ing their cooperation at the National gramme Manager, National AIDS nator, Association of People Living and Provincial levels to ensure that Control Programme highlighted with HIV and AIDS emphasized on the 2030 Fast Track AIDS Response joint efforts made by the Govern- the important role of leadership in is successful in Pakistan. ment, Civil Society and UN Partners the fight against HIV/AIDS to cre- For UNAIDS offices around the to both raise awareness about HIV. atively and actively engage stake- world, the theme of this year’s event Speaking to participants, Dr. Maria holders and allies in different seg-

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 32 hiv & aids: “know your status”

ments of society. In his concluding remarks, the Chief Beyond partners and senior stake- Guest Aamer Mehmood Kiani of the holders, WAD 2018 served as an Ministry of National Health Services opportunity to both hear from activ- & Regulations said that the ministry ists and to engage with the popu- and partners recognize that testing lation at large with a musical per- programme coverage plays a criti- formance and cycle marathon. Dr. cal role in determining the overall Nima Abid, WHO Representative for impact efforts to control the spread Pakistan spoke of marginalization of HIV. We must continue to work and stigma among at-risk groups. together to make strategic invest- He mentioned that the fear of mal- ments in the right people in the right treatment impacts the willingness places, to destigmatize the disease of many to pursue testing there- and to make testing and treatment fore we need to ensure that more accessible to those who need it facilities are available at the com- most. munity-level to ensure that testing is accessible and non-judgmen- tal. UNAIDS, NACP and Greenstar Social Marketing also ran a photo contest in efforts to engage youth, increase awareness and destigmatize the testing process. Prizes were awarded to the winners of the pho- to contest.

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Round Table Interactive Dialogue with Parliamentarians on HIV and AIDS

awareness by their ownership. In this regard, government should increase the efforts in awareness of HIV testing and treatment.

Dr. Maria Elena Borromeo, UNAIDS Country Director appreciated that Pakistan is one of the first countries in the world to have developed national legislation that protects trans- gendered people. Ensuring a supportive, enabling environment, free from stigma and discrimination will help Pakistan in achieving its commitment of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. ”

In the end Mr. Qasim Khan Suri, Around 30 members of the Parlia- mainstreaming HIV in development Deputy Speaker National Assem- ment participated in an interactive agenda including budgets bly of Pakistan agreed on com- roundtable dialogue session , or- During the session, The National mon recommendations provided ganized by UNAIDS in partnership AIDS Control Programme Dr. Ba- by all the parliamentarians to pre- with WHO, National AIDS Control seer Khan Achakzai shared that we vent HIV by getting oneself tested, Program and the Association of estimate that among the approx- treated, taking affirmative actions to people living with HIV, People Living imately 150,000 people living with end stigma and discrimination by with HIV and Key Populations. HIV in Pakistan, only 22,000 know acting as a bridge between Parlia- their status and even fewer are re- ment, the statutory and voluntary The session aimed at : enhancing ceiving treatment. As partners in the sectors, providing a forum for the and intensifying cooperation with fight against AIDS, coalition mem- exchange of information; ensuring Parliamentarians at national level to bers and Parliamentarians need to that domestic funding for HIV/AIDS work towards HIV Prevention; test- come together to address policy is increased & sustained, and AIDS ing and treatment – WAD Theme and structural barriers to testing remains high in the political agenda “Know Your Status”; Building un- and care throughout the country. through parliamentary debates and derstanding to reduce transmission Dr. Nima Abid, WHO Represent- questions, and meetings with Min- of HIV Stigma and discrimination; ative from WHO mentioned that isters and communities. and supporting the national pro- only 16% of people know their HIV vincial efforts to strengthen effec- status. Government and Parliamen- tive data utilization for planning and tarians can play a key role in the

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 34 hiv & aids: “know your status”

KNOW YOUR STATUS: Leading by an example: Getting tested for HIV & encouraging others to “know their status”

“This is the 2nd time I had my HIV test, the first time, I had it, more blood was extracted from my vein, and it was painful. I had to return to get my result after two weeks. But this time, it’s so easy, quick not painful at all and I can get the result in 15 minutes and it’s been already given to me. So I would encourage everyone, come, have yourself tested, save yourself and save your loved ones.”

Maria Elena F. Borromeo, UNAIDS Country Director for Pakistan & Afghanistan

“I Just had my HIV test done, very fast, very simple and very quick. I rec- ommend it for others too. Getting an HIV test is easy. Anyone who thinks they are at risk should take one. If they are at risk should take one. If they are positive they can get treatment right away and prevent others contracting HIV”.

Neil Buhne, Resident Coordinator, United Nations Pakistan ” It’s really very easy, much easier than what I expected, in no time rather in few seconds, painless, “Come and get yourself tested & free of charge and I will get the Know your status “ results in 15 minutes. Know your status”. Dr. Baseer Khan Achakzai, Na- tional Programme Manager, Na- Dr. Nima Saeed Abid, Acting tional AIDS Control Programme Representative, WHO Pakistan

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special feature: UN DAY

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 36 un day

UN Day 24 October 2018

Messages from António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations

United Nations Day marks the birthday of our founding Charter – the landmark document that embodies the hopes, dreams and aspirations of “we the peoples”.

“Every day, the women and men of the United Nations work to give practical meaning to that Charter. Despite the odds and the obstacles, we never give up. Extreme poverty is being reduced but we see inequality growing. Yet we don’t give up because we know by reducing inequality we increase hope and opportunity and peace around the world. Climate change is moving faster than we are, but we don’t give up because we know that climate action is the only path. Human rights are being violated in so many places. But we don’t give up because we know respect for human rights and human dignity is a basic condition for peace. Conflicts are multiplying - people are suffering. But we don’t give up because we know every man, woman and child deserves a life of peace. On United Nations Day, let us reaffirm our caommitment. To repair broken trust. To heal our planet. To leave no one behind. To uphold dignity for one and all, as united nations.”

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs and United Nations Pakistan celebrates 73rd Anniversary of the United Nations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN country team jointly organized a ceremony at the Foreign Of- fice today to mark the 73rd anniversary of the United Nations Day. Speaking on the occasion, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi outlined the Government’s priorities with a particular focus on social and economic development, poverty alleviation, job creation and institutional reforms. Acknowl- edging the role and contribution of the United Nations in these en- deavours, the Foreign Minister ex-

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 38 un day

pressed Pakistan’s willingness to kistan’s diplomatic engagement at further build on this partnership. the United Nations since 1947 had The Foreign Minister highlighted also been arranged. the seminal role played by Paki- The Foreign Secretary, heads stani diplomats in shaping global of diplomatic missions and UN norms, negotiating international agencies, senior civil and military treaties and steering deliberations officials, former Pakistani Ambas- in the fields of peace, security and sadors and officers of the For- development. He also expressed eign Ministry were present at this deep appreciation for enduring well-attended event contribution of Pakistani troops and police personnel to the UN peacekeeping and paid tribute to the 156 Pakistani peacekeepers for their ultimate sacrifice for world peace. Mr. Neil Buhne, the UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan said the growing interdependence among countries and communities, and the importance to development of partnerships with civil society and the private sector, showed the importance of the UN’s work in building trust The UN Secretary General’s video message was also played on this occasion. A photo exhibition capturing the visual history of Pa-

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UNITED NATIONS STAFF COMMEMORATES UN DAY!

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 40 un day

Thematic art exhibition and discussion with Youth on United Nations Day-2018

The Arts and Media Department of the Foundation University, Rawalpindi in cooperation with UNIC Islamabad organized an interactive discussion and thematic art exhibition dedicated to the United Nations Day on 25 October 2018. Art pieces showcased in the exhibition reflected visions of the students in respect of the United Nations’ mandate, agenda and role with the focus on peacekeeping, sustainable development, human rights, gender equality, women empowerment, climate change as well as many other relevant topics. UNIC Director a.i Vlastimil Samek discussed with students and University representatives about the UN Secretary General’s Youth 2030 agenda and role of United Nations in the youth development.He also visited the Media Depart- ment’s TV, radio and media production studios.

41 hiv & foodaids: focus on “know yoursecurity status ”

special feature: FOOD SECURITY

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 42 food security

World Food Day 16 October 2018

By António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations

“In our world of plenty, one person in a world without hunger -- a world in nine does not have enough to eat. which every person has access to a About 820 million people still suffer healthy, nutritious diet. from hunger. Zero hunger is about joining forces. Most of them are women. Countries and companies, institutions Some 155 million children are chroni- and individuals: we must each do our cally malnourished and may endure the part towards sustainable food systems. effects of stunting for their entire lives. Today, we renew our commitment to And hunger causes almost half of the uphold everyone’s fundamental right to infant deaths worldwide. food and to leave no one behind.” This is intolerable. On World Food Day, let us commit to

Zero Hunger: our actions today are our future tomorrow

By José Graziano da Silva, Director-General, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Just three years ago, in September cent of the world population - one in 2015, all United Nations Member nine people on the planet), most of States approved the 2030 Agenda them family and subsistence farmers for Sustainable Development. The living in poor rural areas of sub-Saha- eradication of hunger and all forms ran Africa and Southeast Asia. of malnutrition (Sustainable Devel- However, the growing rate of under- opment Goal number 2) was defined nourished people is not the only big by world leaders as a cardinal objec- challenge we are facing. Other forms tive of the Agenda, a sine qua non of malnutrition have also increased. In condition for a safer, fairer and more 2017, at least 1.5 billion people suf- peaceful world. fered from micronutrient deficiencies Paradoxically, global hunger has only that undermine their health and lives, grown since then. According to the at the same time, the proportion of latest estimates, the number of un- adult obesity continues to rise, from dernourished people in the world 11.7 percent in 2012 to 13.3 percent increased in 2017, for the third con- in 2016 (or 672.3 million people). secutive year. Last year, 821 million Hunger is mainly circumscribed to people suffered from hunger (11 per- specific areas, namely those ravaged

43 food security

by conflicts, droughts and extreme in the 2008-2010 triennium, which healthy diets that include, for in- poverty; yet obesity is everywhere, is the minimum value in which FAO stance, the creation of norms such and it is increasing all around the can make meaningful statistical infer- as labelling and the banning of some world. As a matter of fact, we are ence. This reduction in the number harmful ingredients), the introduction witnessing the globalization of obe- of undernourished people was main- of nutrition in the school curriculum, sity. For example: obesity rates are ly possible due to the firm commit- the adoption of methods to avoid climbing faster in Africa than any oth- ment of former President Lula and food loss and waste, and the estab- er region – eight of the 20 countries in the implementation of public policies lishment of trade agreements that do the world with the fastest rising rates and social protection programmes not hamper access to locally grown, of adult obesity are in Africa. Further- addressing extreme poverty and the fresh and nutritious food from family more, childhood overweight affected impacts of prolonged droughts in the farming. 38 million children under five years northeastern part of the country. “Our actions are our future” is the of age in 2017. About 46 percent of In fact, governments have the most message of World Food Day 2018. these children live in Asia, while 25 fundamental role in achieving Zero It is time to renew our commitment percent live in Africa. Hunger by ensuring that vulnerable and, even more important, the po- If we do not call for urgent actions people have sufficient income to buy litical support towards a sustainable to halt the increasing obesity rates, the food they need, or the means to world free from hunger and all forms we soon may have more obese than produce it for themselves – even in of malnutrition. undernourished people in the world. times of conflict. The growing rate of obesity is hap- However, world leaders have to bear pening at a huge socio-economic in mind that the concept of Zero cost. Obesity is a risk factor for many Hunger is broader and not limited to non-communicable diseases such as the fight against undernourishment. heart disease, stroke, diabetes and It aims to provide people with the some types of cancer. Estimates indi- necessary nutrients for a healthy life. cate that the global economic impact Zero Hunger encompasses the erad- of obesity is about USD 2 trillion per ication of all forms of malnutrition. So year (2.8 percent of the global GDP). it is not just about feeding people but This is equivalent to the impacts of nourishing people as well. smoking or armed conflicts. Current global food systems have This year, World Food Day (celebrat- increased the availability and acces- ed every 16th of October) aims to sibility of processed food that is very remind the international community caloric and energy-dense, high in fat, of its fundamental political commit- sugar and salt. Food systems must ment to humanity – the eradication be transformed in a way so that all of all forms of malnutrition – and people can consume healthy and raise awareness that achieving a nutritious food. We need to address Zero Hunger world by 2030 (so in 12 obesity as a public issue, not as an years-time) is still possible. The expe- individual problem. This requires the rience of Brazil is a good example to adoption of a multisectoral approach have in mind. involving not only governments, but According to FAO estimates, hun- also international organizations, na- ger in Brazil was reduced from 10.6 tional institutions, civil society organ- percent of the total population (about izations, the private sector and citi- 19 million people) at the beginning of zens in general. the 2000s to less than 2.5 percent It must be a collective effort towards

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 44 food security

Investing in Zero Hunger in Pakistan

By Minà Dowlatchahi, Representative of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Pakistan

a decade ago. Pakistan in 2015-17 -- through compromised diets, and had a Prevalence of Undernourish- indirectly through impact on infant ment (POU – a measure of hunger, feeding cause child wasting, stunt- is also one of the indicators of SDG ing and micronutrient deficiencies. 2) in the total population of 20.5 Recurrent infections and disease per cent. This has barely improved are serious contributing factors to since 2004-06 when it was 23.3 per wasting and stunting in children. cent, and has actually risen since Nutritional knowledge and food 2014-16 when it was 19.9 per cent habits as well as improved sanita- reflecting a world-wide trend of in- tion may play a role by moderating creasing hunger. This means the the effects of household food inse- number of undernourished people curity on diet, health and, conse- in Pakistan increased from 35.5 quently, on nutritional outcomes. million to 39.5 million (three year average). The link between food insecurity On the 2017 IFPRI Global Hun- and overweight and obesity also ger Index, Pakistan ranked at 106 passes through diet, which is af- among 119 countries, with a score fected by the cost of food. Nutri- World Food Day this year calls of 32.6. This level is described tious, fresh foods often tend to be upon us to take timely action for as ‘serious’, and is on a par with expensive. Thus, when household achieving Zero Hunger by 2030. Afghanistan, which ranked 107. resources for food become scarce, This year’s theme “Our Actions are By comparison Bangladesh was people choose less expensive our Future. A Zero Hunger World ranked 88 and India was ranked foods that are often high in caloric by 2030 is possible” reminds us of 100. density and low in nutrients. the need to ensure that everyone Food security is a fundamental ele- The negative effect of food inse- has access to safe, affordable and ment of poverty alleviation. Howev- curity on diet quality has been nutritious food at all times to live a er achieving food security is a nec- documented in low-, middle- and healthy and happy life. essary but not sufficient condition high-income countries alike par- According to the latest State of to prevent malnutrition and ensure ticularly in urban settings. Food Security and Nutrition in the adequate nutrition for all. Under- World 2018 for the third year in a standing the pathways from inad- So what should be done? There is row, there has been a rise in world equate food access to malnutrition need for implementing and scaling hunger. The absolute number of un- is important. When there is an un- up interventions aimed at guaran- dernourished people, that is those certain access to nutritious, safe teeing sustainable production and facing chronic food deprivation, and varied food for a household or access to nutritious foods, break- has increased to nearly 821 million an individual, that household or in- ing the intergenerational cycle of in 2017, from around 804 million in dividual is food insecure. malnutrition perpetuated by un- 2016. These are levels from almost Food insecurity can both -- directly dernourished girls becoming un-

45 food security

dernourished mothers at risk of a change in the diets of households giving birth to infants with low birth and individual. weights. Any action plan or policy What can you do to help? You can implementation must pay special start by looking at what you eat in attention to the food security and one day and compare that with the nutrition of infants and children un- Pakistan Dietary Guidelines for your der five, school-age children, ado- age group and if there is anything lescent girls and women. you should change; seeing how The first National Food Security much food and water goes wasted Policy and the Water Policy provide in a day in your home and what you the framework for action, putting can be done to reduce it; buying emphasis on agriculture diversifi- directly from small holder farmers cation and value addition, resilient and advocate for Zero Hunger in climate smart agriculture and water Pakistan. management, improved livelihoods of small holder farmers and tenants, safe drinking water and a Na- tional Zero Hunger Program. What is a Zero Hunger Program? Key pillars of a Zero Hunger Pro- gram are school-feeding programs combined with educational modules on nutrition, hygiene, food preparation and homestead kitchen gardens in rural and peri-urban areas; conditional income support targeting women in the most vulnerable households; knowledge, technology and asset creation (such as quality seeds, modern irrigation systems, processing equipment) and market linkages, including . Further pillars such as nutritional supplements, essential basic services would also be required in the most vulnerable and poor areas. Close inter-ministerial and cross-sectoral coordination among the Ministries of Food Se- curity, Water, Health and Climate Change, and a strong alliance with civil society is also needed. Zero hunger is a definitive call for a transformation of the rural economy where the majority of the poor are, of food systems, coupled with

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 46 food security

“Our actions are our future. A #zero hunger world by 2030 is possible.”

By Finbarr Curran, Representative and Country Director, United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Pakistan

means that the misery of hunger will tion of chronically malnutrition children inevitably also be felt by their children. aged between 6-59 months. In 2013, In fact, 45% of infant deaths worldwide 40% of women across the country are related to undernutrition. Globally, were overweight, while 18% of women 151 million children under the age of 5 of reproductive age were underweight. are affected by a condition known as One of the major challenges faced by stunting, where the child is too small for Pakistan is not so much the lack of their age. Stunting is caused by chron- food, but rather the lack of nutritious ic under-nutrition during the most criti- food. Pakistan is a large producer of cal periods of growth and development rice and wheat, but this alone cannot in early life. guarantee a nutritious diet for her citi- The world produces enough food for zens. It is for this reason that the World everyone - but the devastating effects Food Programme and the government of conflict and climate change, une- of Pakistan, with the aid of international qual access to food, and food wastage donors, have worked together to in- mean that after a decade of progress troduce locally developed specialized World Food Day is an opportunity to the global hunger rate has started to nutritious foods (SNFs) to improve the take stock of the progress we have rise once again. While most countries population’s nutritional intake. made in our shared journey toward have achieved significant gains in the Zero Hunger — one of the 17 ambi- last 25 years in reducing hunger and The government of Pakistan is making tious Sustainable Development Goals undernutrition, progress in the major- significant efforts to tackle food and (SDGs) adopted by 193 countries. The ity of nations affected by conflict has nutrition security and accelerate pro- SDGs commit us to work together to stagnated or deteriorated. At the same gress towards achieving the Sustain- end hunger and malnutrition by 2030, time, one-third of all the food produced able Development Goals and Vision here in Pakistan and around the world. in the world is lost or wasted, at an es- 2025 – its national development pro- The day calls on us to renew our com- timated cost of USD 2.6 trillion. gramme. WFP is committed to collab- mitment to end hunger for every child, Despite improvements in many areas, orating with the government and all our women and man - saving countless Pakistan still faces significant challeng- other partners – including NGOs, civil lives and helping build a brighter future. es. Between 2004-2016, undernour- society, academia, private sector and Ending hunger means creating a world ishment fell from 23.3% to 19.9%, but other UN agencies - to achieve these where everyone, everywhere, has ac- in the same period the number of un- shared ambitions for a better future. cess to adequate affordable nutritious dernourished people rose from 35.7 to I am confident that, working togeth- food. 37.6 million. Pakistan’s Prime Minister er, we will find lasting solutions to the The 2018 State of Food Security report, has noted that stunting is a key con- root causes of malnutrition in Pakistan published in September, revealed that cern of his government, given that Pa- and banish hunger to the history books 821 million people around the world kistan has the world’s third largest pop- once and for all. are still suffering from chronic hun- ulation of stunted children, with a 44% ger: 60% of these are women, which prevalence rate, and a similar propor-

47 food security

World Food Day marked by UN Food and Agriculture Organization all over Pakistan

said “We all have to continue to play our respective roles for achieving Zero Hunger in Pakistan. It is encouraging to see Pakistan taking steps in the right direction for reaching this goal. The first National Food Security Policy and the Water Policy provide the framework for action, putting emphasis on agriculture diversification and value addition, resil- World Food Day 2018 was marked to organize the ceremony. ient climate smart agriculture and wa- at the National Agriculture Research Federal Minister for National Food Se- ter management, improved livelihoods Centre (NARC) Islamabad, and all over curity and Research, Mr. Sahibzada of small holder farmers and tenants, Pakistan by FAO on 16 October 2017. Muhammad Mehboob Sultan was the safe drinking water and a National Zero The theme for World Food Day this chief guest at the ceremony. Messages Hunger Program.” year was “Our Actions are our Future. from the President and Prime Minister Mr. Finbarr Curran, Country Director A Zero Hunger world by 2030 is pos- of Pakistan were read at the ceremony and Representative, United Nations sible” Various organizations including in which the long standing partnership World Food Programme (WFP) Paki- Ministry of National Food Security Re- Government of Pakistan and FAO was stan said at the occasion that ending search, Pakistan Agricultural Research highlighted. hunger will require investments in ag- Council (PARC), Food and Agriculture Ms. Minà Dowlatchahi, FAO Repre- riculture, rural development, nutrition, Organization of the United Nations, sentative in Pakistan also addressed social protection and gender equality. World Food Programme (WFP) ,Oxfam the ceremony. Highlighting the comple- Director General NARC, paid vote of and research institutes came together tion of 40 years of FAO in Pakistan she thanks in the end.

Various offices across Pakistan marked the World Food day with unique celebrations: Chitral World Food Day was celebrated by 2030. Substantial work has been The team apprised the beneficiar- in Chitral with male and female done in Chitral through projects such ies with the importance of the day farmers of Booni village of upper as ‘Imparting smart techniques to in perspective of UN sustainable Chitral. FAO has been leading mul- women farmers in Chitral’ through the development goals. Informative tiple initiatives across the country FSL interventions. was exchange and the progress to achieve the Sustainable Devel- FAO Chitral team spent the day in the made in the region was highlight- opment Goal 2, which is aiming field with beneficiaries of turnip value ed on the occasion. for zero hunger around the globe addition activity in a formal gathering.

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 48 food security

Gilgit

FAO in Gilgit celebrated the World with the FAO team. After the walk, a and FAO’s Abdul Basit narrated the Food Day in collaboration with the formal ceremony was held where the FAO Director Generals message to Karakoram International University, vice chancellor of the University Dr. the attendees, which was taking Gilgit. A four kilometer walk around Khalil Ahmed spoke about the impor- actions in relation to our future in campus was organized to cele- tance of food security in Pakistan. Dr. order to achieve the sustainable brate the event, which was attend- Sajjad Hussain, head of department for development goals. ed by more than 40 university facul- the food sciences gave a presentation ty, and 400 hundred students along about the food situation in the country,

Hyderabad

The joint report ‘Food Security and Genevieve Hussain pointed that efforts the set targets. Nutrition in the World’ was present- made to counter world hunger need By highlighting focus areas and ed to the audience of academia to be expedited in order to fight mal- recognizing the work done in and civil society representatives at nutrition around the globe. Syed Kha- the region by FAO Pakistan, the the event marking the World Food dim Shah of the World Food Program event reiterated the importance of Day in Hyderabad. This report explained that ending huger means achieving zero hunger around the was a collaboration of FAO, World availability of nutrient-rich food to peo- globe by 2030, to the audience Health Organization, and Interna- ple, especially mothers and those who comprised of academia and mem- tional Fund for Agriculture Devel- are pregnant. Masood Lohar of Global bers of the civil society. opment, and the United Nations Environmental Finance-United Nations Children’s Fund. Development Program said that Paki- At the event, FAO policy consultant stan was lagging behind in achieving

Quetta Peshawar

FAO in collaboration with World rity and nutritious diets for all. He FAO marked the World Food Food Programme celebrated also said that the FAO had been Day at Pakistan Academy for World Food day in Quetta at a working for 40 years in Pakistan Rural Development. Mr. Mu- ceremony highlighting this year’s working towards achieving food hammad Israr Khan, Secretary message “ Our Actions are Our security. Asmatullah Khan, Sec- Agriculture KP and Principal Future’’.Mr. Ahmed Jan Essa, retary Livestock Balochistan, Dr. Secretary to the Chief Minister Deputy Chief of Party FAO said Ghulam Hussain Jaffar, Director was the Chief Guest. the worldwide celebration of the General Livestock and Dairy De- World Food Day promotes world- velopment, Inaam Shinwari, Direc- wide awareness and action for tor General Extension agriculture, those who suffer from hunger and along with male and female farm- for the need to ensure food secu- ers attended that event.

49 food security

Supporting development of national e-agriculture strategy for Pakistan

In an effort to identify a roadmap for the national e-agriculture strategy in Pakistan, a two-day consultation workshop was organized in Islam- abad. FAO in collaboration with Interna- tional Telecommunication Union (ITU) brought together representatives from the ministries of National Food Security and Research, Cli- mate change, provincial departments, National Disaster Manage- ment Authority, telecommunication companies and private sector stakeholders engaged in agricultur- also identified available services al service development and delivery that can help bridge the challenges in Pakistan for the workshop. faced by farmers in growing crops, Hashim Popalzai, Secretary Minis- rearing livestock and small-scale try of National Food Security and fish farmers including e-extension Research inaugurated the two day advisories and precision farming workshop. techniques. They also discussed Welcoming participants Minà Dow- the way forward for improved co- latchahi, FAO Representative in ordination between various stake- Pakistan said this workshop will be holders to implement sustainable helpful in identifying effective and e-agriculture solutions in Pakistan. efficient ways for reaching more Gerard Sylvester from FAO Regional farmers, transferring knowledge, Office for Asia and the Pacific, and adaptation to climate change and Ismail Shah Area Representative supporting modernization of Pa- for Southeast Asia & Timor-Leste, kistan’s agri sector by using the International Telecommunication available information and commu- Union also attended the workshop. nication technologies. During the two-day workshop, participants exchanged knowledge and experience gained from best practices in the sustainable use of information and communication technologies in agriculture. They

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 50 food security

FAO and Pakistan sign Country Programming Framework 2018-2022

The implementation of this CPF will contribute to achievement of SDG 1: No Poverty; SDG 2: End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition and Pro- mote Sustainable Agriculture; SDG 5: Gender Equality; SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 12: Re- sponsible Consumption and Pro- duction; SDG 13: Climate Action; SDG 14: Life below Water; SDG 15: Life on Land; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

FAO and the Government of Paki- search signed the CPF. stan today signed the FAO Coun- Based on the findings and recom- try Programming Framework (CPF) mendations of the Country Pro- setting out the development pri- gramme Evaluation, the CPF in orities for collaboration with Paki- line with development priorities stan. This CPF will cover the period outlined in Vision 2025, will direct- 2018-2022, aligned with the priori- ly contribute to the attainment of ties of the government and the UN Pakistan’s sustainable agriculture planning cycle OPIII. and food security related priori- This comes as a result of extensive ties through the implementation consultations at the federal level, of targeted technical assistance in provincial and regional levels, and three thematic areas: Zero Hunger: supported by extensive review of Healthy, Safe and Nutritious Food published materials, new policies for All; Climate Smart Resilient Ag- and regulatory frameworks devel- riculture and Sustainable Ecosys- oped in the period. tems including Forests, Fisheries, Mina` Dowlatchahi FAO Represent- Livestock, Rangeland and Water ative in Pakistan and Sahibzada Management; and Inclusive and Mahboob Sultan, Federal Minister Efficient Agriculture and Food Sys- for National Food Security and Re- tems.

51 food security

Pakistan launches consultation on national action plan for nutrition

WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with the communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Each year, WFP assists 80 million people in 80 countries.

A National Action Plan to address tributed to the elaboration of the the scourge of nutrition in Pakistan PMNS. With financial and techni- came one step closer to reality to- cal support from WFP, this strategy day through a national consultation builds on existing policies to forge in the capital Islamabad. a national framework, ensuring nu- The Nutrition Section of the Minis- trition is supported by multiple sec- try for Planning Development and tors and stakeholders in Pakistan. Reforms and the UN World Food WFP has prioritized rigorous re- Programme (WFP) are coming to- search and consultation with stake- gether with government, academ- holders to identify challenges and ia, sister UN agencies and devel- potential solutions through an in- opment partners to turn Pakistan’s tegrated approach to nutrition and Multi Sectoral Nutrition Strategy food security for the poorest of (PMNS) into action. the poor. Technical consultations at provincial and regional level are The strategy reflects the determina- being conducted to ensure key nu- tion of government and stakehold- trition interventions have been pri- ers to lower the human, social and oritized, with objectives, actions, economic burden of malnutrition. indicators and timelines aligned Key consultations, plans and pol- with the strategic objectives of the icies from sectors such as health, PMNS. WFP will continue its work education, water and sanitation, with the government of Pakistan agriculture and social protection, to develop a final National Action which all impact nutrition, con- Plan.

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 52 food security

Pakistan announced fourth largest producer of chickpeas in the world by FAO report

Pakistan is the fourth largest producer of chickpeas in the world, and has a huge potential to export potatoes to the Middle East. This was revealed in the Punjab Food Outlook Report 2018 that was launched at a ceremony in Lahore today by Malik Nauman Ahmed Langrial, Minister of Agricul- ture government of Punjab. This first of its kind report has been prepared in response to a request from the Punjab government with the technical support provided by FAO and International Food Policy Re- search Institute (IFPRI), following the lines of FAO’s Global Food Outlook. Punjab produces 84% of chickpeas, 77% of wheat and 95% of potato - three key Rabi crops of the country’s Pakistan. Raza Khan, advisor to the Punjab total production, according to the The report will also help strengthen Agriculture department said that the Punjab Food Outlook Report 2018. national capacities for managing and publication will facilitate preventive This report also provides forecasts utilization of food security related in- actions by anticipating upcoming for cultivated area, yield and pro- formation. shocks and help set benchmarks by duction levels for wheat, potato and Malik Nauman Ahmed Langrial, making an assessment of associat- chickpeas across different agro-eco- Minister of Agriculture government ed opportunities and risks. Stephen logical zones of Punjab. of Punjab termed the report as the Davies, Senior Research Fellow at Minà Dowlatchahi, FAO Represent- dawn of a new era for agriculture in IFPRI gave details of the report in his ative in Pakistan said the Punjab Punjab and appreciated the efforts presentation. Food Outlook Report provides time- of FAO and IFPRI in the preparation FAO in close collaboration with the ly and accurate data that will enable of the report to help agriculture enter federal and provincial governments is government, extension workers and a new era of evidence based deci- providing technical support to Punjab small farmers to make informed and sion-making. Agriculture Department for initiatives evidence-based decisions by moni- According to the report, some of the including the preparation of Punjab toring food supply, demand and oth- key factors that have impacted wheat Agro-Ecological Zones and a study er key indicators for assessing the cultivation during the last decade in- on SMOG. overall food security situation. It will clude the prices of key inputs such eventually help reduce poverty and as fertilizer, irrigation water availability improve food security and nutrition in and competition from other crops.

53 food security

New strategies unfold to improve agriculture in Balochistan

In an effort to enhance household incomes, improve food security and the nutritional status of men, women and youth in agriculture in Balochistan, two projects were inaugurated at a ceremony in Quetta. FAO in collaboration with the government of Balochistan and with the financial support of the Aus- tralian government’s Department of Foreign Aid and Trade (DFAT) will address the challenges faced by rural communities dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods in Balochistan through these projects. Mitta Khan Kakar, Advisor to Ba- lochistan Chief Minister on Live- tralia Balochistan Agri Business empower women associated with stock and Dairy Development, Brek Programme Phase II ( AusABBA agriculture in Balochistan. 445 Batley, Deputy High Commissioner II) is a 6 year partnership between women have already been trained of Australia to Pakistan and Minà Government of Australia and FAO. in agri-business. Women enterprise Dowlatchahi, FAO Representative 175,000 male and female farmers development in the agriculture sec- in Pakistan were the key guests at in various districts of Southwest tor in Balochistan will be the main the ceremony. Balochistan benefitted from Phase focus as a result of which 10 wom- Minà Dowlatchahi said women I. In Phase II, resource-poor, male en agri-enterprises comprising of make huge contributions to the and female crop and livestock 200 women will be able to operate rural economy by engaging in on farmers will be organized in infor- their own businesses and increase and off farm activities and by look- mal Farmer Marketing Collectives their income by 25%. In addition, ing after the household and family (FMCs) and connected to markets 400 women will receive literacy nutrition. Investing in women’s em- for Balochistan-specific commod- and numeracy training in Chaghai, powerment along with men helps ities such as onions, fruits, live- Nushki and Quetta districts. eradicate poverty, improve food stock, wool, meat, poultry and The project will help in the local security and nutrition and helps dates. Traders, exporters, proces- adoption of new improved ap- achieve economic growth. She sors, wholesalers and fresh buyers proaches, knowledge and capaci- also thanked the government of of modern and traditional retail and ties to make sustainable and long Balochistan and the Australian gov- wholesale markets will also benefit lasting impact on the lives of farm- ernment for their continuous sup- from the linkages created as a re- ers. port to the work of FAO in Pakistan. sult. The second project is strongly Building upon its first phase, Aus- linked with AusABBA II, is helping

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 54 food security

Promoting exchange of innovative agri-technologies through universities

ing bio-fortified food crop varieties, and improved technologies for min- imizing postharvest losses of food crops. The collaboration will stimulate the exchange of innovative technologies between national and international universities to benefit local farming communities, students and the UOS Faculty.

FAO is collaborating with University ny, Mina Dowlatchahi said FAO is of Sargodha (UOS) Faculty of Agri- pleased to begin this collaboration, culture Outreach Extension Educa- which will present opportunities to tional Program, to enhance institu- smallholder farmers in the area and tional capacities in the seed sector. help promote entrepreneurship and An agreement was signed between provide employment to young men FAO and UOS, which is effective and women. for the next two years. The collab- This agreement will also help en- oration builds upon FAOs experi- hance institutional capacity in line ence in developing the capacity of with the Amended (2015) Seed the Federal Seed Certification and Act 1976 and the Plant Breeders’ Registration Department to facili- Rights Act, 2016. It will also be in- tate seed and plant supply industry strumental in achieving results in regulation. conservation and sustainable use of Mina Dowlatchahi, FAO Repre- plant genetic resources, strength- sentative in Pakistan, and Ishtiaq ening agricultural research pro- Ahmed, Vice Chancellor Universi- grammes in the adoption of modern ty of Sargodha, signed the agree- seed technology, climate smart ag- ment. Speaking at the ceremo- riculture practices, nutrition includ-

55 food security

FAO launches Pakistan Dietary Guidelines for Better Nutrition

The Ministry of Planning and De- velopment/Reform Commission of the Government of Pakistan in collaboration with FAO launched the ‘Pakistan Dietary Guidelines for better Nutrition’ (PDGN) in Is- lamabad. Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, Development and Reform Kanwal Shauzab was the chief guest on the occasion. FAO has jointly developed comprehensive dietary guidelines for the general public to adopt healthy eating practices and prevent and reduce the risk of infectious and chronic diseases. taining healthy dietary practices, fessionals and policy makers to for- Welcoming participants, FAO Rep- weight management, and making mulate appropriate policy, plan and resentative in Pakistan Mina` Dow- smart food choices to prevent nu- programmes. These guidelines will latchahi said it was an opportune tritional disorders. She added that also facilitate provincial good and time to disseminate the dietary the present government has given drug authorities to implement food guidelines, when the country is a high priority to address human quality standards in their respective confronted with challenges of diet malnutrition by focusing on its edu- provinces for ensuring that foods associated conditions. The dietary cation and awareness. are safe and of better quality. guidelines have been developed The launch was also attended Diet is one of the strongest determi- through an extensive consultative by representatives of various UN nants of health and nutritional sta- process involving all relevant stake- agencies: Katherine Goos, Deputy tus. The balanced diet provides ad- holders, technical experts and pro- Country Head of WFP and Sarwat equate nutrients at different stages fessionals from across the country. Adnan participated on behalf of the of life for good nourishment to be Speaking on the occasion, Parlia- UN Resident Coordinator in Paki- healthy; physically and cognitively. mentary Secretary for Planning, stan. Aslam Shaheen, Chief Nutri- Good nutrition is thus important for Development and Reform Kanwal tionist also spoke on the occasion. enhanced productivity, individual’s Shauzab appreciated the initiative The guidelines called for a bal- performance, which implicates into and called it a result of a long- anced diet in ‘One Plate’ com- socio-economic development and standing partnership between the posed of meat and pulses, cereals economic prosperity of the coun- government of Pakistan, FAO and and cereal products, vegetables, try. Nutrition is as such considered other partners. She also said the fruits, milk and milk products, and a maker and marker of sustainable country-specific food based dietary edible oil/ghee. These guidelines development. guidelines are important for main- will be useful for multi-sectoral pro-

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 56 real lives: stories that inspire us

Refugee girl aspires to become her country’s first female foreign minister

Growing up in a refugee camp, Safia rier of fear, you achieve success,” she and shedding light on how they could was engulfed by fear and uncertainty – said, quoting her mother. When Safia both play a positive role in peace-build- but she never gave up and continued was studying at school, she would see ing. Safia taught English and computer chasing her dream to get an education. people addressing the United Nations studies for one year at a school near her Safia Ibrahimkhel’s parents fled Afghan- General Assembly. “My dream came house in Peshawar and worked with istan when civil war broke out in the true when my essay for the UNHCR’s different NGOs. Now she has decided country in the 1980s. Born and raised global youth advisory council got se- to enroll herself in a masters in philoso- in the sprawling Kacha Garhi camp in lected,” she recalls. Safia had a fear phy, focusing on international relations. Peshawar, Safia, 25, was passionate of flying but she made it to Geneva to Being an active youth activist work- about education – with special interest represent the region and provided her ing for women’s social and economic in international relations and aspirations inputs and recommendation for Com- empowerment, she is hopeful that the to be the first female foreign minister of prehensive Refugee Response Frame- women of Afghanistan will make pro- Afghanistan. After passing 6th grade in work (CRRF). “I stressed that refugees gress and play their part in rebuilding Kacha Garhi camp, Safia moved to an- and host communities should work their country. She wants peace in the other location and studied until the 12th together to identify and address issues region. “Love is beyond border and na- grade. She completed her masters in and find solutions,” she said. At another tionality,” she said. “I believe women are political science at Peshawar University High Commissioner’s dialogue event, good decision-makers and also good in 2014. “Don’t let your fears dominate she spoke about imparting quality ed- peacemakers.” your thoughts. Once you break the bar- ucation, the involvement of academia

57 real lives: stories that inspire us

A legend in Tharparkar

Kasunbi Meghwar belongs to village Sakri Taluka Nagarparkar, Dis- trict Tharparkar. She is a committed community member working for village development with the support of School Management Committee (SMC) and schoolteachers. She is a homemaker, but what really dis- tinguishes her from other village women is her vision of progress for local girls.

When UNESCO’s implementing partner Baanhn Beli under the Girls Right to Education (GREP) program conducted the community meeting the local education department for in village Sakri for the first time, she improving the situation and invest- participated in the meeting and ing the future of girls of her village. was unanimously selected as the Ms. Meghwar shared, “Develop- President of a mothers group. ment is impossible without girls’ education, so we must enroll our She continues to serve in this vol- girls in schools and treat them on untary capacity even today, with equally”. She also appreciated the the same dedication and spirit with efforts of the UNESCO team for which she started, and has inspired supporting the enrollment of Out of other community members to be- School Children in the village. come a part of the change. Ms. Since 2015, UNESCO’s GREP is Meghwar was able to mobilize vil- being implemented through nine lage volunteers, who collected data provincial and area-specific sis- on Out of School Children (OOSC), ter projects in selected districts of and as a result 32 children (21 Girls Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 11 Boys) were enrolled in the Punjab and Sindh, and the four fed- Government Primary Schools in eral areas of Pakistan Administered village Sakri. She worked together Kashmir, Federally Administered with the SMC and teachers to pro- Tribal Areas and Gilgit-Baltistan vide necessary support from the and Islamabad Capital territory. community. She stresses that the community must cooperate with

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 58 real lives: stories that inspire us

Giving Pakistani Adolescents a second chance in Balochistan

For Safeerullah Khan, the day begins feerullah and his older brother have be- supports 400 non-formal education cen- even before dusk. After saying his morn- come the family’s breadwinners. tres across Pakistan thanks to generous ing prayers, he tucks his belongings un- One year after his father died, Safeerullah funding from the Japan International der a wooden shelf, puts on his worn- had a surprise he never expected - a lady Cooperation Agency (JICA). 15,000 chil- out joggers and runs to the main road came to see the family and asked his dren have benefited from the project in to catch public transport. Then he hops mother to let him learn. Because Safeer- the province of Balochistan alone so far, onto one of the many commercial vans ullah had never been to school, he could including Safeerullah. A crucial task to speeding to a suburban area where the not enrol in the regular educational sys- ensure the success of the programme is city’s biggest fruit market is located. tem. But the lady, who turned out to be to convince families to send their children Quetta is famous for its fruit. Countless a school teacher, said that there was still to the centres. This is what Raheela Ja- number of trucks from various parts of an option for him: non-formal education been, the lady who visited Safeerullah’s the province arrive at the city’s fruit mar- centres. UNICEF has been supporting house, does. Raheela says that Safeer- ket at day break. Fruit and vegetable car- the Government of Pakistan to put chil- ullah has a gift for mathematics, and will tons are offloaded, counted, strength- dren back in school through non-formal soon graduate from primary education. ened by putting metal strips on them, education services. This gives a second What he has learnt at the center has al- and then sold to local fruit vendors. In the chance to the nearly 23 million Pakistani ready helped the boy improve his living wee hours of the morning, this is where children who have never been to school conditions. Safeerullah plans to go on thousands of people earn their livelihood or dropped out – one out of two school- studying in secondary school, where he by working as labourers – some of them age children. The centres offer special should be able to attend classes only in children. Safeerullah is only 14 but he has methodologies to help boys and girls the afternoon thanks to a double shift already seen the tough side of life. His catch up with their studies for free. They system. His mother no longer objects to father, the only breadwinner of the fam- operate with more flexible hours, making his studying as it has already helped raise ily, died four years ago, leaving behind it easier to convince parents to send their the family’s standard of living. Safeerullah a widow and eight children. The family children. The centres teach an acceler- has also become a role model for others. lives in a modest two-room house in a ated curriculum, helping young people Thanks to the programme, UNICEF is poor neighborhood. Neither Safeerullah catch up with the years of schooling hoping to reach many other Safeerullahs. nor any of his siblings have ever been to they lost and reintegrate the mainstream school. Since the death of his father, Sa- education system. UNICEF currently

59 real lives: stories that inspire us

Afghan refugee elder sees no progress without girls’ education

Though Mohammad Agha and his children could not acquire an education for themselves due to war and poverty, he has now become an advocate for education and visits local homes to convince parents to send their children, especially daughters to school. Mohammad Agha is an Afghan refugee who lives in Saranan refugee village, in Pishin district, Balochistan. Agha, 55, who belongs to Sari Pul in Afghanistan moved to Pakistan due to war some 31 years ago. They had to travel for several days to reach Pakistan. He has since struggled as daily wage worker to earn a living for his family. Knowing the importance of educa- Saranan refugee village. Agha used tion, he is now an active member of his influence in the community to the Educate a Child (EAC) initiative. persuade families to send their boys This is a global initiative launched and girls to schools. by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Mohammad Agha said he witnessed Nasser of Qatar, which aims to re- fighting back in Afghanistan but now duce the number of children world- realises that education is the only wide who are missing out on edu- way to keep peace. cation. His children are earning and are fi- In addition to encouraging students nancially stable, and Agha believes to attend school, the programme that education of girls is of crucial includes sessions for weaker stu- importance. dents, campaigns and activities to Now many local female teachers are increase enrolment, supports accel- serving in the Saranan camp. Agha erated learning programmes, as well called for more incentives for teach- as the provision of school supplies, ers to promote education and skills learning materials and teacher train- development trainings for students ing. and make the community self-suffi- Some 800 students were enrolled cient. in schools in 2018, including girls in

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 60 access to news information and events

Powering sustainable development with access to information

To mark the third international Day for Universal Access to Information, UNESCO jointly with the European Union, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Embassy of Sweden organized the IPDC talks in Islamabad on September 27. The event engaged 115 participants from different walks of life and included talks and panel discussions on roles of free media, duty bearers and right holders in promoting access to information. Vibeke Jensen, UNESCO Represent- ative for Pakistan welcomed the participants and emphasized that access to information is essential for inclusion Panelists shed light on existing state and dialogue. Ms. Jensen stated that mechanisms to promote accountabil- the implementation of exemplary RTI ity and role of RTI commissions com- laws in KP and Punjab could bridge plimented by civil society research, the gap between duty bearers and advocacy and awareness raising. right holders. Student groups, youth startups and Khizar Shah, Director (Press), Minis- CSOs also presented their ideas and try of Information, Broadcasting and innovative approaches to promote Heritage, in his opening remarks said access to information as right hold- that access to information is essential ers. The innovations included an open for good governance and democracy data portal, augmented data soft- and media plays a critical role in the ware, a compliance-tracking website, process. animations for social awareness, and Speakers and panelists presented an RTI tracker. data on access to information, com- Deputy Head of Delegation Anne Mar- munication channels and their pene- chal delivered the concluding remarks tration in different areas and its effect at the event, noting the importance on political participation. Innovative of access to information in terms of and crosscutting initiatives that foster accountability, participation and trans- public access to information were pre- parency, which are the pillars of de- sented and discussed from the per- mocracy. spective of duty bearers and media.

61 news and events children

National Complementary Feeding Assessment (NCFA) launched

The Ministry of National Health Ser- trend and improving the situation. The imum acceptable diet among children vices, Regulation and Coordination NCFA provides an in-depth analysis on under two years of age; (2) Qualitative (MoNHSR&C), Government of Paki- the feeding practices, related barriers Formative Research, which guides us stan launched the National Comple- and boosters as well as guidance to in finding reasons of low levels of com- mentary Feeding Assessment (NCFA), improve the said practices in the coun- plementary feeding in the country as study of practices around feeding chil- try. The study is aimed at determining well as how to address this issue; (3) dren, today in Islamabad. The study the factors contributing to the adverse Cost of Diet (COD) analysis that de- was conducted with financial support complementary feeding practices and termines the availability, affordability as of the United Kingdom’s Department the nutritional status of children aged well as acceptability of nutritious diet; for International Development (DFID) 6-23 months. Only 15% children in the and (4) OptiFood Analysis which identi- and the technical support of the United abovementioned age-group in Paki- fies the problem nutrients and validates Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). stan are receiving minimum acceptable the NCFA recommendations. Inappropriate complementary feed- diet for effective growth and develop- Various representatives of the provin- ing practices for children aged 6-23 ment in Pakistan – a critically low figure. cial governments, diplomatic commu- months are a major cause of under nu- The NCFA has achieved all four of its nity, the United Nations and DFID were trition and stunting. Lack of information objectives: (1) An in-depth analysis of also present on the occasion. has been a bottleneck in reversing the variations in dietary diversity and min-

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 62 news and events children

Breastfeeding: foundation for a healthy Life

world. It commemorates the Innocen- ti Declaration signed in August 1990 by government policymakers, WHO, UNICEF and other organizations to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is the best way to provide infants with the nutrients they need. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding starting within one hour after birth until a baby is 6 months old. Nutritious complementary foods should then be added while continuing to breastfeed for up to 2 years or beyond. This year, WHO is working with UNICEF and partners to promote the importance of helping mothers breast- From the earliest moments of a child’s need from qualified health workers. feed their babies within that crucial first life, breastfeeding practice can make Another big reason is ease of access hour of life. Skin-to-skin contact along a difference between a healthy and an to infant formula or other substitutes in with suckling at the breast stimulate unhealthy life. Breastfeeding is a new- the market, starting from the maternity the production of breastmilk, including born’s first and potent vaccine vitalizing facilities onward. These health facilities colostrum, also called the baby’s ‘first their immunity boost. push their commercial agenda ahead vaccine’, which is extremely rich in nu- A new report by UNICEF and WHO and seriously compromise the lifelong trients and antibodies reveals that an estimated 78 million health quality of the newborn. The Baby-friendly Hospital Initia- babies – or 3 in 5 – are not breastfed Breastfeeding is not a one-woman job tive is a global initiative led by UNICEF within the first hour of life, putting them as the nursing mothers require assis- and WHO and aims at improving ex- at higher risk of death and disease and tance and support from their health clusive breastfeeding rates by imple- making them less likely to continue care providers, families, employers, menting the Ten steps to successful breastfeeding. Most of these babies communities, and governments so initiation and continuation of breast- are born in low and middle income they can provide their children with the feeding. The Ten steps to successful countries. healthiest start to life. Together, we can breastfeeding are: 1) hospital policies; There are many reasons as to why mil- support women to breastfeed and pro- 2) staff competency; 3) antenatal care; lions of women are unable to start and tect the health and well-being of future 4) care right after birth; 5) support continue breastfeeding successfully. generations. mothers with breastfeeding; 6) supple- Among others, in Pakistan one pre- World Breastfeeding Week is cele- menting; 7) rooming-in; 8) responsive dominant reason is that many women brated every year from 1 to 7 August feeding; 9) bottles, teats and pacifiers; give birth without access to the quali- to encourage breastfeeding and im- and 10) discharge. ty care, counselling and support they prove the health of babies around the

63 news and events children

Half of world’s teens experience peer violence in and around school

Physical fights and bullying disrupt the education of 150 million 13-15-year-olds worldwide

End Violence Against Children and UNGEI. To end violence in schools, UNICEF and partners are calling for urgent action in the following areas: Im- plementing policies and legislation needed to protect students from violence in schools; strengthening prevention and response measures in schools; urging communities and individuals to join students as they speak up about violence and work to change the culture of classrooms and communities; more effective and targeted investments in proven solutions that help students and schools Photo: UNICEF/Zehbrauskas stay safe; and collecting better, dis- aggregated data on violence against Half of students aged 13 to 15 trict Diamer of Gilgit Baltistan, were children in and around schools and worldwide – around 150 million attacked. Most of these were girls’ sharing what works. young people – report having expe- schools. In the past, schools in Khy- UNICEF is encouraging young peo- rienced peer-to-peer violence in and ber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan ple around the world to raise their around school, according to a new have also been attacked. Corporal voices to #ENDviolence in and report released by UNICEF today. punishment is still prevalent in most around schools and to tell us how Peer violence – measured as the of the public schools despite a ban they are working together and what number of children who report hav- imposed on it by the National As- solutions they are using to #ENDvi- ing been bullied in the last month or sembly of Pakistan. olence in and around schools once having been involved in a physical “Violence in Schools: An Everyday and for all. fight in the last year – is a pervasive Lesson” is released as part of the part of young people’s education UNICEF #ENDviolence global cam- around the world. It impacts student paign. It is also a part of a collective learning and well-being in rich and effort to shed light on and spark ac- poor countries alike. tion to #ENDviolence in and around The Global Coalition to Protect Edu- schools by organisations including cation from Attack recorded at least UNICEF, the United Kingdom’s De- 203 attacks on schools in Pakistan partment for International Develop- between 2013 and 2017. During ment (DFID), UNESCO, other mem- August, this year, 15 schools in dis- bers of the Global Partnership to

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 64 news and events children

On International Day of the Girl, UNICEF calls on improving employability skills

ate inclusive and accessible schools, training and learning opportunities to empower girls with disabilities; Change gender stereotypes, social norms and unconscious bias to provide girls with the same learning and career opportunities as boys; Increase girls’ participation in Science, Technology, Engineer- ing and Math (STEM) learning; Create initiatives to support girls’ school-to- work transition, such as career guidance, apprenticeships, internships and entrepreneurship; Deliver large-scale public and private sector programming Photo: UNICEF/A. Sami Malik for girls’ skills and market-adapted training; Enable access to finance and On International Day of the Girl, able skills – such as self-confidence, enterprise development for female en- the United Nations Children’s Fund problem solving, teamwork and critical trepreneurs; and Form strategic part- (UNICEF) calls on improving girls’ ac- thinking – which are critical to succeed nerships with governments and private cess to education and employment in in the rapidly changing world. Helping companies which can act as thought Pakistan and worldwide. them develop the skills for employabili- leaders and financiers, helping to train Today’s generation of girls are prepar- ty they need to enter the workforce and girls and bring them into the workforce. ing to enter a world that is being trans- access decent work opportunities will On International Day of the Girl, let’s formed by innovation and automation. help reap long term economic benefits stand with girls – the future freelancers, Educated and skilled workers are in and defeat the cycle of poverty. entrepreneurs, teachers, scientists, great demand, but roughly a quarter Under the theme, With Her: A Skilled and software engineers which Paki- of young people in the world – most of GirlForce, International Day of the Girl stan needs – to develop skills now and them female – are neither employed, marks the beginning of a year-long ef- remove other gender barriers she fac- nor in education or training. fort to highlight, advocate for and in- es, so that she and every girl can join A Right now, many girls are not develop- vest in girls to develop skills and enter Skilled GirlForce. ing the skills they will later need to se- the workforce. cure work. In Pakistan, nearly 23 million To that end, the global community children are out of school, the majority must: Rapidly expand access to inclu- of them girls. Girls tend to face specific sive education and training; Improve the limitations on their ability to make de- quality and gender-responsiveness of cisions affecting their education and teaching and learning to enable girls to work. develop foundational, transferable and Girls need to be taught the transfer- job-specific skills for life and work; Cre-

65 news and events children

World Prematurity Day : care for preterm babies imperative to improve Child Survival Indicators in Pakistan

ued efforts are imperative to save precious lives. With support from UNCIEF, KMC will be initiated in the Pakistan Institute for Medical Services (PIMS) Hos- pital, this month. Training of health care providers from various provinces and areas at PIMS will help scale up the initiative over the next few years to reach the most in need in the neighbouring districts and areas. Good hygiene care can help prevent multiple infections while early initiation of breast-feeding within the first hour can particularly help prevent deaths. UNICEF emphasis- (Photo: UNICEF/Sayina Bashir) es that the reduction in premature births and new-born deaths can be Each day over 600 new-borns die Day, being observed globally on No- achieved by strengthening health in Pakistan due to complications re- vember 17, 2018. policies and services with focus on lated to Birth Asphyxia, Prematurity UNICEF has supported the Govern- maternal nutrition and improving ac- and Sepsis, says the United Nations ment of Pakistan in establishing 38 cess and care for mothers and new- Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Sick New-born Care Units at public borns. Every year, 15 million babies in the health facilities across the country. world are born prematurely and The Kangaroo Mother care initiative nearly 1 million die due to related is been introduced in these centres, complications. This makes preterm and awareness raising activities are birth one of the leading causes of on-going towards improving care child deaths under age 5. for the new born at home including While supporting the new initiatives timely and appropriate referrals for taken by the Government of Paki- small and sick new-borns. stan to reduce preterm births and Collaborated efforts have helped in new-born mortality due to related reducing the new-born mortality rate complications, UNICEF calls for from 55 deaths per 1,000 live births Working Together: Partnering with to 42 deaths per 1,000 live births families in the care of small and sick during the last five years. However, new-borns, which is also the theme, the number of new-born deaths is this year for the World Prematurity still unacceptably high and contin-

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 66 news and events children

Promoting respect for diversity among children through puppet show

The Embassy of the Argentine Re- of the state run, private and special more enjoyable, may develop our public, in connection with Interna- education schools were also invited creativity and ensure a better future tional Students’ Day, organized a to make sure the message of soli- for everybody. Puppet Show at the premises of the darity reached everyone. Thanks to the kind cooperation of Argentine Embassy in Islamabad. The Mayor of Islamabad, Sheikh Serena Hotels, the children were The show aimed at promoting re- Ansar Aziz, was the Chief Guest. given lunch boxes, and through spect for diversity and difference In his speech Ambassador of Ar- the sponsorhip of Atlas Sports of and offered an opportunity to join gentina H.E. Ivan Ivanissevich Sialkot, each school received a bag children from very poor, middle class underlined the idea that very of- with footballs and volley balls. and high-income backgrounds to ten children and grown-ups reject The project was also supported by respect one another and enjoy an those who are different because of the Metropolitan Corporation of Is- art form that has a very long tradi- ignorance regarding their abilities, lamabad and the United Nations. tion in Pakistan. beliefs, their different appearances, The nationally famous puppeteers habits or traditions. of the Rafi Peer Theatre brought This is a natural thing, but it is also their show from Lahore and en- something that can be overcome thralled the audience with songs by talking to one another, listening and improvised situations about the and finding out what we all share. importance of respect among chil- Rejection or bullying against those dren. who are less well-off or different The children belonging to different to us produces situations where backgrounds were invited to watch nobody wins; making an effort to the show, including those who understand one another, sharing would never have the opportunity to games or helping one another will witness such kind of shows. Some always make our lives so much

67 news and events climate change

Launch of clean and green Pakistan programme

The physical launch of Clean and Village was jointly organized by the er Production Centre (NCPC) in col- Green Pakistan campaign was held Ministry of Climate Change, UN Hab- laboration with the Chairman Union at Saidpur Village Islamabad on itat, Water Supply & Sanitation Col- Council Saidpur. October 13, as part of the call by laborative Council (WSSCC), Metro- Mr. Malik Amin Aslam, Advisor to the the Prime Minister of Pakistan for a politan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), Prime Minister on Climate Change “Clean and Green Pakistan”. Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan Memorial and the focal person for the Clean The cleanliness campaign in Saidpur Trust (AHKMT), and National Clean- and Green Pakistan was the Chief

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 68 news and events climate change

Guest. Ambassadors of Netherlands, China, Kenya, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia , Morocco and Sudan participated in the programme.

Mr. Malik Amin Aslam highlighted that Pakistan is facing serious environmental issues which unfortu- nately have been getting worse as the country’s economy expands and the population grows. He emphasized that Clean and Green Pakistan Programme focuses on launching of nationwide programme for envi- ronmentally sound disposal of solid and liquid waste; provision of public toilets; creation of complete ODF villages and starting a volunteer scouts programme to help support the campaign. He added that we would like to develop Saidpur Village into a model, serving as a center of attraction for international tourists and visitors. Mr. Jawed Ali Khan, Habitat Pro- gramme Manager, UN Habitat stated that the Integrated Resource Recovery Center (IRRC) offers a highly cost-effective way of improving waste management and cleaning the environment in the fast-growing cities of Pakistan. For every dollar invested, the IRRC model offers USD 10 in benefits. The benefits are particularly sig- nitaries invited also participated in village. A painting competition rein- nificant in relation to improved public cleanliness campaign. Integrated forcing the sense of personal respon- health and climate change mitigation, solid waste management model was sibility towards the cleanliness drive although employment creation also demonstrated on site to promote the was held among the Behbood school plays a part. The IRRC diverts 90 per principles of “3R’s” i.e. reduce, reuse children and prizes were distributed cent of waste from centralized dis- and recycle of waste management. by the chief guest. posal and is a factor of ten cheaper Hygiene messages including impor- The first pilot Integrated Resource than providing centralized disposal tance of hand washing was imparted Recovery Center in Pakistan estab- facilities. to the community members espe- lished in Sector G-15, Islamabad, in The community members; students cially mothers, adolescence girls and 2014 by UN Habitat in collaboration of schools & colleges; sanitary work- boys and young children. Awareness with Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan Me- ers of Metropolitan Corporation Is- sessions with the local community morial Trust (AHKMT), and support of lamabad (MCI), AHKMT and local were conducted on open defeca- UNESCAP. sanitary workers at the village level tion free environment especially im- collected the solid waste. The dig- provement of the toilet facilities in the

69 news and events climate change

Creating a new framework of cooperation to support Climate Action

A Statement of Intent (SoI) was jointly innovative interventions, and identify- the Sustainable Development Goals. by the University of Baltistan, Skardu, ing nature-based and gender-respon- FAO and the University of Baltistan the Food and Agriculture Organiza- sive solutions for issues pertaining to will cooperate to conduct a survey for tion of the United Nations (FAO) and areas such as ecosystem degradation non-timber forest products -especially the United Nations Development Pro- and restoration of flow of eco-system- medicinal plants and mushrooms - to gramme (UNDP) to provide a frame- based goods and services. scope their economic and ecologi- work of cooperation and strengthen UNDP and the University of Baltistan cal benefits, and evaluate ecosystem collaboration for research and de- will also collaborate to explore poten- services and functions of the dry tem- velopment activities in the Baltistan tial risk factors in mountain areas relat- perature zone for initiating ‘payment region.The University of Baltistan is ed to glacial lake outburst floods, and for ecosystem services’. Under the a Public-Sector University mandated to identify means for the mitigation of framework, key factors responsible for to conduct research and education these risks. The University of Baltistan forest degradation and for landscape activities in the areas of environment, will engage students in research in restoration will be identified, and cur- climate change, natural resource the areas of environment, agriculture, rent mountain agriculture practices will management and sustainable devel- climate change adaptation, natural be reviewed with a focus on develop- opment. Under this new collaboration, resource management and other re- ing sustainable practices for imple- UNDP will facilitate the University in lated disciplines, and will explore ave- mentation. undertaking action-based research in nues for creating awareness related to

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 70 news culture and events

Kalasha practice of Suri Jagek enters UNESCO’s Intangible Culture in Need of Urgent Safeguarding List

The thirteenth session of the Inter- governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultur- al Heritage (ICH) took place in Port Louis, Republic of Mauritius, from 26 November to 1 December 2018. Chaired by the Honourable Mr Prith- virajsing Roopun, Minister of Arts and Culture of the Republic of Mauritius, the meeting inscribed, among many practices, the practice of Suri Jagek from Pakistan’s indigenous Kalasha people on the List of Intangible Cul- tural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safe- guarding. This is the first exclusive inscription for Pakistan - the other two being to the nomination, and were facilitat- Nauroz and Falconry, shared with ed by the Government of Khyber Pa- neighbouring countries in the region. khtunkhwa, the National History and Suri Jagek (literally, observing the Literary Heritage Division, UNESCO sun) is a Kalasha meteorological and Islamabad, and the Canadian and astronomical practice carried out in Swiss embassies with the research December on the winter solstice, and for the process carried out by Trust is based on the observation of the for History, Art and Architecture in sun, moon and stars in reference to Punjab (THAAP) and Institute for Art the local topography. and Culture (IAC), Lahore-based or- Ms Sajida Vandal, a UNESCO ICH ganizations. expert, and Mr Naushad Khaliq, a The successful inscription of Suri section officer at the National History Jagek on the ICH List is a testament and Literary Heritage division, attend- to the country’s rich cultural diversi- ed the meeting and spoke on the im- ty and to Kalasha’s positive contri- portance of the practice for the Kala- butions towards Pakistan through sha community, a slowly-diminishing revenue generated by the increasing group of around 4000 people settled number of tourists, domestic and for- in three valleys in the Chitral district of eign, who visit the valleys every year. the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Members of Kalasha community spearheaded the process leading up

71 news and events disaster risk reduction

Japan supports WFP for seasonal livelihood programming in newly merged tribal districts

The government of Japan has announced its support to the United Nations WFP for Seasonal Liveli- hood Programming in former Fed- erally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The official announcement was made by the Secretary for Live- lihood and Production Department, Abdul Latif, and the Ambassador of Japan in Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Takashi Kurai, during a press event in Islam- abad. WFP Country Director and Repre- sentative Finbarr Curran and representatives from the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) Secretariat and Khyber Pakhtunkh- and for systems to be restored. tion gathering and the development wa (KP) Government were also Seasonal Livelihood Program- of a centralized data hub. This will present at the occasion. ming is a risk-informed planning include the refinement and cleaning Geographically, the districts former- tool to identify interventions suited of data from key thematic areas and ly known as FATA are vulnerable to to a variety of contexts and time linking to the Decision Support Sys- disasters, and poorly constructed frames. It provides the foundations tem of the National Disaster Man- mud and stone houses and oth- for resilience planning and brings agement Authority (NDMA). er weak infrastructure are often humanitarian and development in- washed away by rains and flash terventions together by combining flooding. The frequency of climatic seasonal, livelihood, gender, crisis shocks, as well as conflict, calls for and programme aspects. Commu- the strengthening of disaster risk nities, government, and partners, management systems to mitigate are consulted to design cross cut- risk. Crisis preparedness capacities ting plans. need to be boosted to reduce the The programme will also pave the time it takes for families to recover way for the digitalization of informa-

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 72 news and events disaster risk reduction

Efforts continue to build disaster resilience

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Concern Worldwide in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) launched Phase- II of the project “Building Disaster Resilience in Pakistan” (BDRP) with the financial assistance of Depart- ment for International Development (DFID) at an inception workshop in Islamabad. During the second phase, the project will cover 9 districts in Punjab and Sindh with the addition of KP, and will enhance resilience of the disaster prone communities, building capacities of institutions en- PDMAs, line departments, FAO, gaged in disaster management. UNDP, WFP, Concern Worldwide, Chairman NDMA Lieutenant Gener- its consortium allies participated in al Omar Mahmood Hayat highlight- the workshop. ed the need for collective planning, The BDRP project would ensure risk coordination and collaboration mitigation through risk assessment, among all stakeholders at national improved preparedness, building and provincial level to address the capacity of institutions and the abili- challenges that natural disasters ty to respond to emergencies. Dep- present to Pakistan. He mentioned uty Head of Office DFID, Ms Kemi BDRP Phase II will be instrumental Williams and Country Head Con- in helping reach these goals and will cern Mr Mubashir were also pres- also help in mitigating the effects of ent. The key milestones achieved natural disasters in Pakistan. during the Phase-I of BDRP were FAO Representative Minà Dow- also presented on the occasion. latchahi said the agriculture sector suffers the most when natural disasters hit. Therefore, building resilient communities against natural disasters is vital for sustainable agriculture development. Representatives from DFID, NDMA,

73 news and events drugs and crime

Awareness raising campaign against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants rolls out

UNODC Country Office in Pakistan come increasingly good at luring vul- in collaboration with the Federal In- nerable people into being exploited. vestigation Agency is rolling out a More and more efforts are needed to nation-wide public awareness cam- help prevent TIP and SOM. UNODC paign against Trafficking in Persons urges civil society to play its vital role (TIP) and the Smuggling of Migrants in helping to raise awareness and to (SOM). prevent TIP and SOM. The campaign is supported by the Mr. Cesar Guedes, UNODC Coun- Australian Department of Home Af- try Representative for Pakistan, said fairs, the U.S. Department of State much more needs to be done in and the European Union under the terms of raising awareness amongst framework of the Global Action a broader section of society, includ- against Trafficking in Persons and ing local communities, policy makers, the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO. local government representatives ACT). The aim of the campaign is to and the media. increase awareness on the risks, is- UNODC understands that it is crucial sues and challenges associated with for the government and civil society human trafficking and migrant smug- SOM, and the dissemination of Pub- to work in close partnership to fight gling, to create community-led efforts lic Service Announcements (PSAs) human trafficking and migrant smug- as well as a national discourse on the through local and terrestrial radio as gling. The fight willa only succeed in topic, which will ultimately lead to the well as through sms. The nationwide a joint effort by raising the level of engagement of policy makers. roll out will officially commence Mon- awareness among a much broader The awareness campaign is being day, 24 September 2018 and run un- mass and relevant stakeholders. This implemented at the national level with til December 2018. campaign is important as it combines a focus on high-risk areas and will TIP within Pakistan accounts for both, prevention with protection utilize several institutionalized tools to thousands of people being forced strategies, which will in turn benefit engage stakeholders. This includes into bonded labor at brick kilns, in ag- civil society organizations as well as the distribution of brochures and dis- riculture, the carpet industry and ma- victims of trafficking and smuggled play of banners in key districts, a so- jority of the victims are women and migrants directly. cial media page focused on TIP and children. Criminal networks have be-

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 74 news and events drugs and crime

Building the operational capacity of the Anti Narcotics Force

Cesar Guedes, the UNODC Coun- try Office Representative in Paki- stan and Yusuke Shindo, Minister/ Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan, handed over 200 drugs and precursors identification kits to Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) during the handing-over ceremony at ANF Headquarters, Rawalpindi. The UNODC test kits, developed and produced by the Laboratory and Scientific Section, Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs, was one of the agreed deliverables under the Japanese funded UNODC project, which is aimed at strengthening border security against illicit stan, said that UNODC along with tional society on defeat of the global drug trafficking and related transna- its international donors especially drug trafficking. tional organised crime. This is also Japan is committed to strengthen- UNODC is leading global efforts part of UNODC efforts to enhance ing operational capacities of ANF against drug trafficking and is the the operational capacity of drug law and other LEAs for addressing the guardian of all international con- enforcement, especially ANF, in line drug trafficking and global organ- ventions on drugs and transnational with its Country Programme (2016 - ised crime issues through proactive organised crime. UNODC Country 2019). Senior officials from Embas- responses. Office in Pakistan has been active sy of Japan, UNODC and ANF were Shindo, Minister/Deputy Chief of for over 35 years and works in close present at the occasion. Mission, Embassy of Japan re- collaboration with the Government Brig. Sheikh Ali Muhammad, Chief affirmed Japan’s commitment to of Pakistan. Its mandate is to as- of Staff, ANF thanked the officials of helping Pakistan combat all types sist the national institutions in their Japan and UNODC for their contin- of transnational organised crime in- efforts to overcome the challenges uous support to the Government of cluding illicit drug trafficking which associated with transnational or- Pakistan, especially ANF, for build- hinder the economic development ganised crime, thereby contributing ing their operational capacity in and over all prosperity of the coun- towards the nation’s development. countering numerous existing and try. He noted that enhancing the emerging challenges posed by drug border security between Pakistan trafficking in the country and the re- and Afghanistan is crucial as the gion. stability of the region is essential to Cesar Guedes, the UNODC Coun- not only the national security of Pa- try Office Representative in Paki- kistan, but also the effort of interna-

75 news and events drugs and crime

Training on “Understanding and Presenting Circumstantial Evidence in Terrorism Trials”

of the training, various national legal experts delivered sessions on the prevailing legal framework on the subject while providing clarity on the role of circumstantial evidence and its admissibility. In addition to this, a special session was organized on Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations, Pakistan’s legal instruments for countering terrorism financing including its obligations under various UN Security Council Resolutions, which was delivered by the former Federal Law Minister of Pakistan Mr. Ahmer Bilal Soofi. After the session the participants had a chance for a close-interaction with Mr. Soofi to discuss legal limitations and challenges prosecutors face in convic- tions related to terrorism financing offences. During the closing session of the training, Cesar Guedes, UNODC UNODC under the framework of tunkhwa, attended the training. Representative, along with Jaffar Pakistan’s Action to Counter Ter- During the four-day training, the Khan, Director General Counter-Ter- rorism (PACT) Project organized a prosecutors were briefed on the in- rorism NACTA and Ahmer Bilal Soofi, four-day training in Islamabad on ternational best practices related to Former Federal Law Minister deliv- “Understanding and Presenting Cir- evidence collection, preservation in- ered their closing remarks and high- cumstantial Evidence in Terrorism cluding on the importance of chain lighted the important role prosecutors Trials” for Prosecutors from Khyber of custody, while improving their play in ensuring due-process, justice Pakhtunkhwa in collaboration with skills for presenting circumstantial and respecting the rights of offend- the National Counter Terrorism Au- evidence in terrorism trials in the er through a fair trial. At the end of thority (NACTA), and the Prosecution courts. The training was based on the workshop, certificates were dis- Department of Khyber Pakhtunkh- interactive sessions in which partic- tributed amongst the attendees. The wa. Thirty prosecutors, including 11 ipants had the opportunity to learn training was made possible with the females and 19 male prosecutors, from both the trainers and their peers support of the European Union. from six districts of Khyber Pakh- from other districts. Over the course

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 76 news and events drugs and crime

Vulnerability of various age and gender groups

problems, making effective drug treatment more challenging, yet little attention has been paid to drug use disorders among older people. The majority of people who use drugs are men, but women have specific drug use patterns, the Report finds. The prevalence of non-medical use of opioids and tranquillizers by women remains at a comparable level to that of men, if not actually higher. While women may typically begin using substances later than men, once they have initiated substance use, women tend to increase their rate of con- The number of people worldwide nomic circumstances of those in- sumption of alcohol, cannabis, co- using drugs at least once a year re- volved. There are two extreme ty- caine and opioids more rapidly than mained stable in 2016 with around pologies of drug use among young men as well as rapidly develop drug 275 million people, or roughly 5.6 people: club drugs in nightlife and use disorders. per cent of the global population recreational settings among affluent Women with substance use disor- aged 15-64 years. youth; and use of inhalants among ders are reported to have high rates Looking at vulnerabilities of various street children to cope with their dif- of post-traumatic stress disorder age groups, the Report finds that ficult circumstances. and may also have experienced drug use and the associated harm Drug use among the older genera- childhood adversity such as phys- are the highest among young peo- tion (aged 40 years and older) has ical neglect, abuse or sexual abuse. ple compared to older people. Most been increasing at a faster rate Women continue to account for research suggests that early (12–14 than among those who are young- only one in five people in treatment. years) to late (15–17 years) adoles- er. This, although there is only lim- The proportion of females in treat- cence is a critical risk period for the ited data available, requires atten- ment tends to be higher for tranquil- initiation of substance use and may tion, the Report finds. People who lizers and sedatives than for other peak among young people (aged went through adolescence at a substances. Drug use treatment 18-25 years). time when drugs were popular and and HIV prevention, treatment and Cannabis is a common drug of widely available are more likely to care should be tailored to the spe- choice for young people. Howev- have tried drugs and, possibly, to cific needs of women. er, drug use among young people have continued using them. differs from country to country and Older drug users may often have depends on the social and eco- multiple physical and mental health

77 news and events education

International Literacy Day By Audrey Azoulay, Director General, UNESCO

world, and millions of men and nication technology, are becoming women have been lifted from igno- increasingly necessary. rance and dependency through a Preparing young people and adults broad-based movement of literacy for jobs, the majority of which have and the democratization of access not yet been invented, is a chal- to education. However, the pros- lenge. Accessing lifelong learning, pect of a world in which every indi- taking advantage of pathways be- vidual has fundamental knowledge tween different forms of training, remains an ideal. and benefiting from greater oppor- Today, worldwide, more than 260 tunities for mobility has thus be- million children and adolescents come indispensable. are not enrolled in school; six out The theme of this year’s Internation- of ten children and adolescents al Day, “Literacy and Skills Devel- – around 617 million – do not ac- opment”, focuses on this evolving quire the minimum skills in literacy approach to education. UNESCO is “Once you learn to read, you will be and numeracy; 750 million young actively engaged in the redefinition forever free”, wrote Frederick Doug- people and adults still cannot read of literacy policies and encourages lass in the nineteenth century, an and write – and among them, two- innovative educational practices. It emancipated black American slave, thirds are women. These seriously also supports various forms of pub- champion of the abolitionist cause debilitating shortcomings lead to a lic and private sector cooperation, and author of several books. de facto exclusion from society and since only a comprehensive under- Literacy is the first step towards perpetuate a spiral of social ine- standing of the education cause can freedom, towards liberation from qualities and gender inequalities. enable an appropriate response to social and economic constraints. It A new challenge is now being add- the needs of a world that seems to is the prerequisite for development, ed to this: a world in flux, where the be reinventing itself every day. both individual and collective. It re- pace of technological innovation is On this International Day, I call on duces poverty and inequality, cre- continuously accelerating. In order all stakeholders in the world of edu- ates wealth, and helps to eradicate to find a place in society, get a job, cation, and beyond, because it is a problems of nutrition and public and respond to social, economic cause that concerns us all, to mobi- health. and environmental challenges, tra- lize so that the ideal of a fully literate Since the times of Frederick Doug- ditional literacy and numeracy skills global society becomes more of a lass, considerable progress has are no longer enough; new skills, in- reality.” been made in all regions of the cluding in information and commu-

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 78 news and events education

Launch of the Global Education Monitoring

and quality of education for refugee children, especially girls, which are being addressed by the federal and provincial government authorities. Mr Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Minister, Ministry of Federal Edu- cation and Professional Training shared that the Government of Pa- kistan has instituted a well-coordinated mechanism for the return of the temporarily dislocated people in the country and most of them have returned to their native areas. Highlighting the Government’s education sector reforms, he shared that a task force on education has Following its global launch on 20 and education and presents evi- been formed to propose concrete November, the 2019 GEM Report dence on the scale and character- solutions to the problem of out of was launched in Islamabad on 22 istics of different types of migration schoolchildren, uniformity in educa- November in Islamabad, at a cer- and displacement and their implica- tion, quality education and skill de- emony organised by UNESCO Is- tions on education and vice versa. velopment. lamabad Office in collaboration While education opportunities of- During the presentation of the key with UNHCR. The ceremony was ten serve as a major driver in the findings of the 2019 GEM report, well attended by a wide range of decision to migrate, the complex Ms Vibeke Jensen, UNESCO Rep- stakeholders from the education process of migration can also inter- resentative to Pakistan highlighted sector, development partners, me- rupt education. Pakistan is hosting the importance of a cross-sectoral dia and civil society organisations. 1.4 million registered Afghanistan coordination and planning mecha- The theme of this year’s GEM report refugees in the country. The consti- nism to meet the challenges of fi- is “Migration, displacement and tutional amendment in 2010 guar- nancing education for migrants and education: Building bridges, not antees the right to free, compulsory refugees. The report calls on gov- walls”. education for all children aged 5 to ernments to address the education At its third edition, the GEM Re- 16. Most registered refugee chil- needs of migrants and displaced port provides its assessment of the dren have access to both formal populations with the same attention progress towards the Sustainable and non-formal education facilities they give to host population by pro- Development Goal on Education in the country. Special provisions tecting their rights, making national (SDG-4) and its targets. The 2019 are also available for students in systems more inclusive and building Report elucidates the relationship professional colleges and universi- institutional capacity for the same. between migration, displacement ties. Yet there are issues in access

79 news and events gender equality and women’s empowerment

Engro Energy & UN Women pledge to advance women’s empowerment in Thar

and deploying supply chain and enterprise development opportunities for females, amongst other areas. The collaboration with UN Women is an extension of Engro Energy’s adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) whereby the Compa- ny has already implemented various programs to promote gender equality in Tharparkar. In moving towards realization of gender equality and women’s empowerment, UN Women Pakistan provides support to innovative initiatives that promote women’s human rights, with special focus on their economic se- In a bid to advance women’s em- agreement was signed by Shamsud- curity, political participation and elim- powerment activities and initiatives din Shaikh – Chief Executive Officer ination of violence. in Thar, Engro Energy Limited (EEL) of Engro Energy – in presence of UN Women’s delegation also dis- along with its subsidiaries Sindh En- Jamshed M. Kazi, Country Repre- cussed the best practices being im- gro Coal Mining Company (SECMC); sentative of UN Women and senior plemented by local and international Engro Powergen Thar (Pvt.) Limit- officials from both sides. businesses across the world which ed (EPTL) and Thar Foundation (TF) The adoption of the WEPs – which help provide agency and financial in- signed the Women’s Empowerment is an initiative launched jointly by UN clusion of women around the world. Principles (WEPs), with support of Women and United Nations Glob- To date, 56 Pakistani companies UN Women. al Compact – calls for broad based have made a public commitment of By becoming a signatory to the interventions for advancing the gen- support over the last two years by “Women’s Empowerment Princi- der equality agenda. These include signing onto the Women’s Empower- ples” (WEPs), Engro Energy Limited treating women fairly at work whilst ment Principles. pledged to forward the agenda of ensuring their health, safety and empowering women through sev- well-being; promoting equality and en key focus areas. The charter of female professional development

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 80 gender equality and news and events women’s empowerment Building women’s capabilities to engage with ICT

Information and communication technologies are changing the socio-economic dynamics of every field or profession. New avenues of information are opening up, IT-driven jobs are soaring, e-commerce is bringing entrepreneurs online and the growth of the digital economy is becoming an indicator of a country’s performance. Whether or not these dynamics are factoring in women and girls, bears a question mark. If we look closely, women and girls often face restric- tions to access technology, and the inequality between how women and girls, men and boys are given an access to technology is prevalent. UN Women along with the Ministry of ICT and Universal Service Fund (USF) it girls and women, and how it can be ing this technology to advance gender came up with a solution “ICT for Girls” used to promote entrepreneurship or equality and women’s empowerment that aims to spur the socio-economic work readiness. The primary purpose is not only vital for women and girls, uplift of women and girls through the of the project is to provide Information but critical throughout the 2030 Agen- use of technology. UN Women and Communication Technology (ICT) In- da for Sustainable Development. USF signed a letter of Intent aimed at frastructure—latest hardware, high- The conversation on ICTs needs to promoting cooperation between both speed Internet, software and trained move beyond just accessibility. The the partners to take on joint initiatives human resource, to the women em- conversation should also be about of strategic importance around Entre- powerment centers. Through this meaningful accessibility, focusing on preneurship and Women’s Economic Mega project, the aim is to increase the affordable and context-appro- Empowerment. the prospects of women and girls to priate use of digital connectivity, and Recently, both organizations came get employment in Pakistan, so that building a woman’s capabilities to together to conceptualize a training they are financially empowered to take engage in ways that can expand her of trainers programme for 32 selected care of their families and themselves. strategic life choices. UN Women teachers from WEC and Government Under this initiative, 144 computer looks forward to collaborating more Schools and Colleges, where they labs were established in collaboration closely on finding ways to make sure were oriented to the concepts of why with Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal and com- that these girls and women can turn ICT is considered such an indispen- puter labs in collaboration with Fed- their ICT skills into employment, as sable enabler for the economic and eral Directorate of Education (FDE) for well as becoming entrepreneurs. social empowerment of adolescent 226 schools of Islamabad. Harness-

81 news gender equality and and events women’s empowerment

ICT for Girls

“ICTs for Girls” is an endeavor by the Pakistan Computer Bureau - Ministry of Information Technology and Uni- versal Service Fund - Pakistan in collaboration with UN Women Pakistan to spur the socio-economic uplift of this very important segment of our society.

UN Women and USF signed a letter of Intent aimed at promoting cooperation between both the partners to take on joint initiatives of strategic importance around Entrepreneurship and Women’s Economic Empowerment.

Recently, a training session for trainers was conducted which highlights how ICT instructors can play a pivotal role to promote economic empowerment of girls and women.

Meet Ghazia, who has a Master’s degree in Information Tech- nology. She currently teaches basic MS Office, Databases and IT related subjects at the Women Empower- ment Centre, Jhelum.

“Since I was a child, I was fascinated by offices. I wanted to get a job that would allow me to have my own office one day. Whenever I would see someone in their office, I would tell myself ‘that will be me one day, I’ll be sitting in an office like that’. I have been offered a job from a bank, but I wasn’t allowed to join. My father told me that I should go for teaching instead, as it has less working hours and there are schools near our house. I found my way to a Women’s Empowerment Centre while I wished to complete my studies along computer, especially to women and For the first time in my life, I travelled the way. girls as they believe technology will to Islamabad to attend a workshop on Students scarcely come to join us. prompt them to go against the values entrepreneurship and learned about The ones that do come and join, often of society and become rebellious. I the ways to start online businesses. ask me, ‘what is the point of learning think learning to use ICT has become These insights are not only useful for how to use computers when we don’t the need of the time, just like sleep- myself but also for other teachers and have a computer in our home?’ ing and eating. It is very important to women in empowerment centres. change the prevailing mindset that This way women of empowerment Women in empowerment centres restricts women’s and girls’ access to centres, who are so skilled, can start want to learn the skills fast to earn new avenues for learning, we all have their online businesses and earn mon- money. People in our area are quite to fight against that [set] mindset. ey from it.” sceptical about learning and teaching

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 82 gender equality and news and events women’s empowerment

Meet Fatima, who is a primary level computer teacher at Islamabad Model School for Girls. With a diverse teaching background in private sector schools, she shares her unique view on teaching Infor- mation and Communications Tech- nology (ICT) in schools.

“There are three categories of students in my class; ones who know how to use the computer, ones who have an idea but never used it and ones who have never used or seen a computer. It is the third category that requires the most work.

Using phones, tablets or computers is still a fantasy for many students. I have changed their mindset as they still think that they will get an electric shock if they touch the computer. In some instances, these girls were shivering while using a mouse.

Lack of access to technology stems from the discriminatory attitude towards girls. Girls are discouraged from the start as it believed that technology can mislead girls, and they are often told they cannot learn technology as it is for boys. Parents need to make a difference in the lives of these girls.

In order to solve these issues, we need to face the problems head-on. One solution that can work is to educate parents and empower women and girls so they can use whatever circumstance they are in, to their advantage.”

83 news gender equality and and events women’s empowerment

Trailblazers of Thar

Saheb Khatoon, 37, belongs to Mithi, Thar and has undergone the training for women dump truck drivers. With little knowledge of driving any vehicle before, it was quite scary for Saheb Khatoon to take up this challenge. It was partly due to the childhood dreams of driving a vehicle, and partly due to the financial condition of her family. “The whole journey has been trans- formational: I was very scared in the beginning, of the truck and this world. I never thought I would ever be able to ride a bike or rickshaw, let alone a dump truck. But, now I have been trained enough to maneuver any and every sort of vehicle. It kind of empowered me; my fear of facing the world has vanished with this training and I believe that women I aspire to continue my studies; will change the fate of Thar. Before, my husband also encourages me the world knew nothing about me to pursue my dream of studying but now everyone knows me by my further. I know I am a bit over the profession - Saheb Khatoon, the age bracket for entering a college, women dump truck driver. but it’s better late than never. After completing my studies, I will pursue I could not study till my high school; teaching. Next generations of Thar discontinued my studies because it will be educated and more empow- was financially burdensome for my ered than us.” family, but who knew I would become financially independent, one day. Everything is coming to me as a surprise and as I am learning to take charge of my life with informed decisions, I am realizing my potential and I believe now is the time to fulfill another dream.

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 84 gender equality and news and events women’s empowerment

Rukhsana, a woman dump truck for 5 hours just to get to my office. I seen the outside world, therefore driver from Nagarparker, gave up would leave my home by 5 AM and one thing that defines them is fear on her dream to become a doctor reach the field by 10 AM and would - fear of men, fear of facing the due to financial constraints, but leave the office by 6 PM and reach world, fear of becoming financially now, nothing can stop her in mak- home by 11 PM. It was a tiring rou- independent, fear of being mocked ing a mark in the male-dominated tine for me, but I never wanted to by the society, fear of being labeled field. give up on myself and my strength. as a ‘rebel’ or called names. “My brother told me about the I rented a house in Islamkot just for women dump truck driver’s pro- this job. Through this training, I gained the gram and I wasn’t sure if this was strength and courage to face the made for me. Women knew of roles For now, I am enrolled in the training world. Initially, I got a lot of criticism as mothers or housewives, but batch; the prospect of earning more from my community, but I knew in women as dump truck drivers was money increases once we pass out my heart that this is made for me something never heard of, or done, from this training program. With and I shouldn’t let this chance slip before. I had my fair share of anx- my money, I am getting an educa- by.” iety before signing up for this pro- tion for my two sons and since we gram - because this was a world have a secure income, I can dream I hadn’t seen before. How to talk? of sending my sons to college and How to dress? How to hide my fear university, in the future. They will of walking into a new place? These become what I couldn’t - doctors. questions were on my mind when I walked in for an interview. Back in my community, women are After getting the job, I used to travel not empowered. They have never

85 news and events health

Saving lives of women and girls in cross border areas in Pakistan

target 360,000 individuals. CAR will facilitate and provide strategic oversight on this initiative as a means of ensuring that maximum benefits are achieved at the end of the three years. He stressed that all implementing partners and stakeholders would have to make concerted efforts for the women and girls in Pakistan. Dr. Sharman Stone, Ambassador for Women and Girls, Australia also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the role of sexual and reproductive health services in Nearly 1.4 million Afghan refugees and Government of Australia launched a improving the lives of women, girls and 700,000 undocumented Afghans cur- three year Sexual and Reproductive communities. UNFPA Representative rently live in Pakistan. Many are women Health program on 17 September in Pakistan, Dr. Hassan Mohtashami and girls who have suffered unspeak- 2018. The aim is to increase access of conveyed that UNFPA is committed able trauma on their journey to safety. Afghan women and girls, temporarily to protecting those who are in transit. Based on MISP[1] estimates, there are displaced persons, and host commu- Its humanitarian programmes are pro- more than 56,000 pregnant wom- nities to quality Sexual Reproductive tecting women, girls and young people en within a year, who urgently need Health services in order to prevent un- in 60 countries today. Other dignitaries maternal health care. United Nations planned pregnancies and ensure that that spoke at the event included, H.E. Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead no mother dies while giving life. In this Margaret Adamson, High Commis- UN agency for sexual and reproduc- regard, Commissionerate for Afghan sioner of Australia who stressed that tive health, currently providing life-sav- Refugees (CAR) in partnership with the Governments and civil society have a ing services to ensure every childbirth United Nations Populations Fund (UN- collective responsibility to contribute is safe. But shortages of supplies and FPA) jointly organized the programme to international and national efforts to trained midwives continue to threaten launch on September 17. Muhammad improve the safety of women and girls the lives of mothers and their children Saleem Khan, Chief Commissioner, and create opportunities for them so in camps and hosting areas. UNFPA Commissionerate Afghan Refugees that they can live their lives with dignity in collaboration with the Government (CAR), while welcoming the guests, and respect. of Pakistan and funding support of the explained the programme aims to

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 86 news and events health

Mobility support for EPI Programme in Pakistan

Vaccination is a cost-effective meth- od to improve the health status of the population, and the EPI programme intends to protect all under-23 months’ children from vaccine preventable diseases. However, the immunization coverage remains low in the country, and Pakistan continues to experience outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Investments in vaccination programs will help in expanding access to immunization and to reach the poorest of poor section of the community. One of the issues faced by the programme leading to low coverage is the mobility of vaccinators. To facilitate and overcome this issue, the World Health Organization Pakistan has procured 1,500 motorcycles for distribution among vaccinators working in EPI programme throughout the country. These are procured with a grant received from GAVI, the Vaccine Alli- ance. Out of 1500 motorbikes based on the provincial requirement; 585 are for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 150 for Punjab, 340 for Balochistan, 380 for Sindh and 15 each for Azad Jammu and Kashmir, FATA and Gilgit Balti- stan. The distribution was done in full consultation with the National and Provincial EPI programme. vice. This will enable them to reach that the vehicles are used for the EPI Vaccinators will use the motorcycles, far-flung and hard to reach commu- official work only, WHO has imprinted improving their mobility to provide nities and thus will improve equity in the EPI logo on the motorbikes. outreach and mobile vaccination ser- immunization coverage. To ensure

87 news and events health

Kick-starting Pakistan’s mass measles immunisation campaign

Photo: UNICEF/ Asad Zaidi

The United Nations Children’s Fund More than 110,000 professionals are tion campaign is taking place in all (UNICEF) and the World Health Or- mobilised across Pakistan to help provinces and areas of the country ganisation (WHO) joined the Gov- eliminate measles -- a disease that between 15 and 27 October 2018. It ernment of Pakistan in kick-starting can be prevented with a simple vac- is funded by the Global Alliance for a nationwide measles campaign to cine. More than 32,000 suspected Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) vaccinate more than 32 million chil- cases of children infected with the vi- and the government of Pakistan. dren – one-sixth of the population. rus have been reported in the country The campaign will contribute to During the two weeks of campaign, since the beginning of the year. achieving Sustainable Development all children between nine months and Measles remains a leading cause of Goal 3, which aims to end preventa- five years of age will be targeted for death among children, with survivors ble deaths of newborns and children vaccination against the deadly mea- often left with life-long disabilities under five years of age by 2030. sles virus, which attacks the respira- such as blindness, deafness or brain tory tract and is exceptionally conta- damage. gious. The USD 30 million mass immunisa-

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 88 news and events health

Calling on young innovators to design solutions for improved menstrual hygiene practices

Photo: UNICEF/ Gloria Lihemo

A new challenge is calling on young Applicants from all over the country The Youth Challenge is taking place innovators across Pakistan to design have four weeks to come forward. in 16 countries worldwide, including solutions that will help improve girls’ Fifteen shortlisted candidates will be Pakistan. It is part of a new global and knowledge and practice of safe men- invited to attend a three-day design regional partnership, #WeTheFuture / strual hygiene. workshop in Islamabad in November. #GenerationUnlimited, launched dur- During an event held in Islamabad to- They will be coached and mentored to ing the 73rd Session of the United Na- day, UNICEF and the School of Lead- develop their solutions, using the Hu- tions General Assembly. The goal is to ership invited all Pakistani nationals man-Centered Design approach. At provide every young person with qual- between the ages of 14-24 to come the end, the five most promising ideas ity education, training or employment forward with innovative ideas on tools, will be selected, with each young inno- by 2030. models and services to enable girls and vator receiving up to USD 1,000 and Generation Unlimited brings togeth- women to manage their menstruation. two months of coaching to help her/ er partners to co-create and support Many adolescent girls in Pakistan miss him implement their project. solutions that are proven and have the school every month when on their peri- The five projects will participate in a potential to deliver results at scale, and od because they lack both knowledge, global competition in 2019, with the to develop a platform on which young and access to proper facilities or sup- winner receiving USD 20,000 and tai- people can share knowledge, engage plies, to manage their menstruation in lored mentorship support to help scale and co-create. a hygienic way. up the project.

89 news and events health

“One Team One Goal - Acknowledging, Retaining and Enabling”

The WHO Staff Retreat was held on bas along with his team engaged the guidance from the facilitators on how 29-30 March 2018 in Avari Hotel and participants of the retreat with various to manage and cope with work relat- Green Fields Farm in Lahore. Partic- team-building exercises. These activ- ed stress and simultaneously exhibit ipants consisted of WHO Staff from ities proved to be catalyst for bringing as an efficient and cooperative team Federal and Provincial WHO Offices. out the best managerial, organiza- member. The total number was 140, which tional and coordination abilities in the The retreat provided an excellent exceeded the expectations of organ- participants. opportunity to everyone to socialize, izers of the retreat and it was heart- The second day consisted of moti- enabling them to meet with team ening to see a significant number of vational lectures to create a learning members who they don’t see fre- female participants and new comers and introducing different perspec- quently and also to exchange views as partakers. tive of dealing with day to day work on different issues. It was bridging In addition to the official organizers, related scenarios, coping with work gap between the management and facilitators and career councilors load, work pressure, handing stress staff members, making learning a were engaged to organize team at work and on improving skills work- fun-filled experience. building exercises, enhancing profes- ing in a team, behavioural changes A retreat is an investment by the sional skills, building networks within and being a productive and positive organization in its human force for and outside the organization in the team member in the organization. joint enhanced performance, bet- retreat. Setting a tone, which encouraged ter coherence and working towards Renowned trainer and facilitator of the participants to share their experi- achieving joint goals international acclaim, Mr Qaiser Ab- ences at the work place and seeking

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 90 industrial news development and events

Raising skills of energy professionals and adopting a cluster approach

Within the framework of the UNIDO/ GEF project entitled “Sustainable En- ergy Initiative for Industries”, UNIDO organised twin events marking the concluding of its country-wide Train- ing Program on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. The events were widely attended by various stakeholders, both from the industry and Government officials from relevant Ministry and line departments. Present among the prominent dignitaries were the officials of various relevant ministries as well as representatives of various organizations, such as the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB), National Productivity Organization (NPO), Na- training program. He appreciated the great potentials of industrial produc- tional Energy Efficiency and Conser- participation of all major stakeholders tion of Pakistan. vation Authority (NEECA) and Small in this event and called on all stake- UNIDO presented key highlights of and Medium Enterprise Development holders to contribute to the sustain- the recently concluded training pro- Authority (SMEDA). ability of the UNIDO’s initiatives. He gram, which gave insight into the Nadia Aftab, Country Representative also stated that trained experts on various training modules and their UNIDO, on the occasion, shed light Energy Efficiency and integrated En- objectives and targets. on the role of UNIDO during its nearly ergy Management Systems would 50 years of presence while highlight- become ambassadors of the sustain- The participants actively participated ing some hallmark achievements of able use of energy in Pakistan. in the event and the group discus- UNIDO assisting the sustainable de- Asad Mehmood, Representative of sions on the Cluster development velopment process of Industrial sec- NEECA, Ministry of water and power and came up with new ideas in devel- tor in Pakistan. She stressed upon in his remarks termed the industrial oping clusters for Renewable energy the importance of training courses sector in Pakistan as one of the main and energy efficiency. Key beneficiar- for promoting Renewable Energy and contributors to the national GDP, as ies from the training program repre- Energy Efficiency in Pakistan. well as a major consumer of energy senting various sectors, also shared In his introductory remarks about the and electricity, which was character- the audiences with their training ex- subject, Carlos Chanduvi, the Project ized by high dependence on fossil periences and informed the benefits Manager, highlighted the objective of fuels. He said that UNIDO’s initiative that they and their organization re- cluster development as well as point- was a commendable one to unlock ceived from these trainings. ed out the importance of the UNIDO indigenous capacity to tap into the

91 news industrial and events development

Workshops on Energy Management System Implementation held nation-wide

With the aim of assessing and aligning competencies of energy professionals and public actors on Energy Manage- ment Systems (EnMS), focusing especially on ISO-50001, a number of nationwide workshop were organized in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad from 4 to 12 December. These workshops were conducted by international trainers and were attended by a large number of private sector energy professionals; as well as officials from Public Sector, Central bank and financial institutions, the chamber of Commerce and Industry, academia and various development sector or- plementation. Insights were provided an active role in the Energy Efficiency ganizations. to the public on what the instruments process. for promoting the Energy Efficiency Moreover, separate sessions were ar- These Workshops were conducted from the regulatory, financial and social ranged for assessing and aligning the under the framework of the UNIDO perspective could be. The trainer pre- training Programs on Energy Manage- programme: ‘Sustainable Energy In- sented best global models and policy ment System for Energy Auditors & itiatives for Industries in Pakistan’, level interventions, which could be rep- Managers, aligning Certification Bodies funded by the Global Environment Fa- licated at National Level. in National Energy Efficiency and EnMs cility (GEF). The objective is to avoid The participants presented their find- Implementation Strategy and to assess greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by ings during the workshops, highlight- the competencies of national trainers, developing and promoting a market ing challenges faced during EnMS Im- consultants and energy managers in environment that will stimulate energy plementation and the instruments that line with ISO 50001 EnMS. efficiency projects, which will in turn could be put in place to initiate Energy The workshops concluded with some support industrial development in Pa- Savings and achieving Energy Efficien- concrete recommendations that could kistan. cy targets. be put in place to promote the Ener- The aim of the workshops was to de- One of the main highlights was an gy Efficiency and Energy Management vise strategies by engaging relevant exclusive session on Energy Man- System in Pakistan. stakeholders on articulating roles and agement system organized for female functions of different national actors energy professionals. The motto was for the promotion of Energy Efficiency to leave no one behind and to ensure (EE) through building a strong ground gender-mainstreaming by encouraging for Energy Management System Im- women energy professionals, to play

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 92 news and events industrial development

Sialkot Tannery Association and UNIDO organize workshop on cleaner production techniques

Within the framework of the UNIDO/ GEF project entitled “Sialkot Tannery Zone “, the workshop on Advances in Cleaner Production for the leather sector, and the introduction of Best Available Techniques and practices was held in Sialkot. The workshop was chaired by Direc- tor General of TDAP Qamar Zaman. Chairman and CEO STAGL, Environ- mental Protection Department, SME- DA, Sialkot Chamber of Commerce, Leather/Tannery related Zone association, representatives of international development agencies, Government Officials, and members and civil soci- site improvement by using cleaner tanneries production processes and ety attended the workshop. production techniques; demonstra- mainstreaming Climate Change Ad- Ahtesham Gillani, CEO STAGL, ap- tion of BAT/BEP practices and its im- aptation efforts through sharing of preciated the collaboration from UN- pacts on the effectiveness of overall experience and best practices. The IDO-GEF, TDAP, EDP Govt. of Pun- productions. panel hoped that proceedings of the jab and STAGL isin spearheading A key-note Speaker from Interna- workshop would lead to develop- the development of leather sector of tional Islamic University Islamabad, ment of recommendations for better Pakistan. He appraised that Cleaner Muhammad Irfan Khan explained leather productivity and arranging production seeks to achieve improve- the role of waste management in the such awareness promotion activi- ments in the entire leather production context of circular economy transition ties are useful to encourage tanner- process, from design, materials pro- which is facing challenges in moving ies to participate in the programme, curement, production techniques to beyond the perception of ‘waste as and strengthen their awareness and workflow, through the application of a problem’ to ‘waste as a resource’. knowledge of cleaner production advanced technologies and manage- He explained that both waste preven- technologies and practices. ment practices. tion as well as a widespread growth in The implementation of CP technol- circular economy activities will require ogies is also integral part of Leath- a coherent and holistic approach that er Working Group (LWG). The Chief takes recovery options into account Guest Director General TDAP, Qamar at every stage of the leather product Zaman appreciated the theme of the life cycle. workshop. The workshop resulted in advising This workshop covered four key in- Professional and technical support, itiatives - awareness promotion; on- which is instrumental in improving

93 news and events labour

Exposure visit of government officials from Pakistan to the work on labour inspection in the Philippines

The Philippines is known in the Asia organized an exposure visit for Gov- workers’ representative in the inspec- region for its vital labour inspectorate ernment officials from Pakistan in order tion process; data analysis and case reforms advanced in recent years. With to help them grasp some of the good building of violations of labour laws the technical support of the ILO Ma- practices in the Asia region and possi- and conduct of targeted, inter-agency nila’s US DoL funded Project on “Build- bly bring back replicable lessons. coordinated inspection and/or compli- ing the Capacity of the Philippines ance campaigns; and capacity building Labour Inspectorate”, the Department The ILO supported the participation of of the Labour Inspectorates. of Labour and Employment (DOLE) the following officials accompanied by The participants of the exposure visit Philippines is striving to improve its in- two ILO officials in undertaking a three were given the opportunity to meet with spection system in ways that support a day study visit to Manila i.e. from 10 to the highest officials of the Department stronger approach on labour standards 12 September 2018. of Labour and Employment (DOLE), enforcement. The system of labour in- The exposure visit focused on the fol- Employers and Workers organizations spection in the Philippines aspires to lowing components of the project on in Philippines. The delegates also found attain the broad participation of social “Building the Capacity of the Philippines the opportunity to visit a regional/field partners at the workplace, sectoral, re- Labour Inspectorate”: advancement of office of DOLE where the application gional and national levels. regulatory and developmental strate- of a Management Information System gies in labour inspection; development (MIS) was demonstrated to the study Inspired by this progress in improving and implementation processes of La- group. labour administration, the ILO Islam- bour Laws Compliance System Man- abad office under its Dutch funded agement Information System (LLCS- project on Strengthening Labour In- MIS); strategies that enhanced active spection System in Pakistan (SLISP) involvement of both employer and

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 94 news labour and events

Promoting fundamental principles and rights at work in Pakistan’s cotton, textile and garment value chains

The International Labour Organ- stakeholders, ILO officials and de- Dr Khalid Abdullah-Cotton Com- ization (ILO) in collaboration with velopment partners from Pakistan missioner Ministry of National Food its constituents, key partners and participated in the captioned plan- Security and Research Government stakeholders organized a three day ning workshop and provided recom- of Pakistan, Ms Nadine Osseiran strategic planning workshop on mendations and pragmatic strate- Programme & Operations Officer IO child labour, forced labour and fun- gies to promote FPRW in Pakistan. engaged actively in the deliberations damental principles & rights at work in the panel and group discussions. (FPRW) in the cotton, textile and gar- Various speakers including repre- The participants identified challeng- ment value chains in Pakistan. The sentatives of the ILO’s constituents; es related to child & forced labour workshop was convened from 11- Mr Azhar Iqbal Hashmi Deputy Sec- and other FPRW in the cotton, textile 13 September 2018 in Islamabad retary Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and garment value chains. The prior- under two projects: Elimination of and Human Resource Development, ity districts, major stakeholders and Child Labour and Forced Labour in Mr Mhuammad Rehan Nabi Labour time scoping for the two projects the Cotton, Textile and Garment Val- and Human Resource Department were also discussed and identified. ue Chains: an Integrated Approach Government of Punjab, Mr Fasihul funded by the European Union (EU) Karim Siddiqi, Secretary General of The workshop participants unani- and “Promoting Fundamental Princi- the Employers Federation of Paki- mously validated the outcomes of ples & Rights at Work in the Cotton stan and Mr Zahoor Awan, Secretary the two interventions and proposed Supply Chain” funded by INDITEX. General of Pakistan Workers Federa- major outputs and interventions for tion, Dr Shakeel Ahmed Khan, Seed the two projects. Based on the out- These multi-country projects aim to Sector Expert Food and Agriculture comes of the workshop, work-plans improving respect for FPRW for a Organization, Mr Muhammad Tahir for the two projects would be rede- sustainable cotton supply chain in Waqar, Senior Programme Manager, fined in delivering the desired results. Pakistan. National Rural Support Programme, Dr Shafiq Ahmad, Pakistan Country A significant number of relevant Manager, Better Cotton Initiative,

95 news and events

The future of work and the significance of effective collective bargaining and negotiations

A four day training on collective bar- ing. The training featured lively discus- Right of Association and Convention gaining and negotiations skills was or- sions through group work, role plays 98 on Right of Collective Bargaining by ganised by the German funded project and mocks which helped participants Pakistan in the earlier years after inde- on Labour Standards in Global Supply practice key techniques of needs and pendence, paved the way for adoption Chain’s (LSGSC) implemented by In- interest based negotiations, exploring of legislation favouring workers’ right of ternational Labour Organization from best alternatives to negotiated agree- association and collective bargaining. 24-27 September, 2018 in Lahore. An ments. The participants also reflected In the aftermath of 18th amendment intensive three days course on negoti- on commonly made mistakes during to the constitution, the enactment of ation skills was designed for employers negotiations, moving away from adver- the provincial legislation on industrial and workers organizations. Around 60 sarial to mutually acceptable positions. relations has been ground breaking for constituents from all over the country the trade union movement. However, participated in the training. The Interna- As a result of the training the partici- issues like informal economy, exclu- tional Training Centre of the ILO (ITC/ pants identified key priority issues: data sions of categories of workers from the ILO) supported the design and deliv- and knowledge sharing, communica- right to organise, thresholds on forma- ery of the training. The first day of the tion and consultation, that they would tion of unions and collective bargaining training looked at the issue of collec- like to address in their respective roles agents and complexities related to the tive bargaining in the global context, its and organizations to promote effective transnational establishments negatively application in Pakistan and the role of social dialogue. impact the trade unions. tripartite stakeholders in its strengthen- The ratification of Convention 87 on

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 96 news and events labour

Global Wage Report 2018/19: What lies behind Gender Pay Gap

As part of the ILO Country Office identified to be 34 per cent, which for Pakistan’s centenary activities, is more than double the global av- a technical session on the Global erage. Wage Report 2018/19 was organ- The ILO in Pakistan is ready to pro- ised jointly by the ILO project on vide relevant technical assistance ‘Labour Standards in Global Sup- to the Federal and Provincial Gov- ply Chains: A Programme of Action ernments in making progress and for Asia and the Garment Sector’ reporting on the governments’ ob- (LSGSC) project, funded by the Ger- ligations, under international law. man Federal Ministry for Econom- Consistent advocacy, outreach and ic Cooperation and Development awareness raising is creating mo- (BMZ) and ILO’s Project ‘Sustaining mentum and translating into con- strengthened national capacities to crete outcomes, such as the recent improve ILS compliance and report- adoption of a new Domestic Work- ing in relevant EU trading partners’ ers Policy in Punjab province and (DEVCO), funded by the EU. the Home-Based Workers Act in The session drew the participation women earn 20 per cent less than Sindh province. of various stakeholders such as; men globally. Factors that often de- Department of Labour representing termine wages such as education Consensus was reached on ac- Provincial Governments, Workers do not full account for observed cess to decent work environment, representatives, transgender com- gender pay gaps around the world. family friendly workplaces, safe munities, academia, UN agencies transportation for commuting to and development partners. The The report shows that mothers and from work, the importance of findings of the report were pre- earn less than non-mothers which quality childcare services, inclu- sented by Mr Xavier Estupinan, ILO the report refers to as the “moth- sive employment opportunities for Wages Specialist, Decent Work erhood gap”. The report indicates all including transgender persons, Technical Team – South Asia. that the global wage growth fell to addressing stereotypes, aware- 1.8 per cent in 2017, the lowest ness raising on the value of alter- The Global Wage Report is a flag- growth rate since before the Global native work modalities for women, ship publication of the ILO that Financial Crisis in 2008. The report as ways to move forward for closing highlights important wage trends. also highlights the wage and gen- the gender pay gap and a means to This 2018/19 Global Wage Report der wage gap situation in Pakistan. achieving social justice for working highlights gender pay gaps as a According to the report, Pakistan women in Pakistan. phenomenon which represents one has the highest overall hourly aver- of today’s greatest social injustices. age (mean) gender pay gap of the The report indicates that gender 73 countries for which comparable inequalities in pay is a problem in data are available. In particular the all countries and that, on average, gender pay gap for Pakistan was

97 news and events labour

Awareness raising campaign on OSH in the construction sector of Karachi

The ILO under its project on Strength- ening Labour Inspection System in Pakistan (SLISP) funded by the Dutch, supported the Labour and Human Re- sources Department of Sindh in launching an awareness raising campaign on OSH in the Construction Sector of Karachi. The campaign design and its implementation was an outcome of the recommendations that the stakeholders ascertained in a tripartite plus consultation on 10th April, 2018 at Na- tional Institute of Labour Administration and Training (NILAT) Karachi. The consultation that brought together the representation from labour inspectorate, workers, employers, academia and the civil society organizations advocated improvement in the information and information and sensitivity regarding The Labour and Human Resources sensitivity towards OSH related risks OSH related risks and hazards in the Department of Sindh has recruited 18 and hazards in the construction sector. construction sector. The teams dis- officials who could carry out inspection tributed vernacular informative posters of the construction sites. The cam- The awareness raising campaign on amongst the audience and also provid- paign helped reach a large number of OSH in the Construction Sector of ed the copies of Sindh OSH Act that workers and employers directly and Karachi was implemented from 12th provides legal coverage of OSH to al- educated them about the severity of to 16th November 2018. During this most every sector of the economy. OSH risks in the construction sector. campaign a variety of construction The campaign, which covered 66 con- sites across Karachi were visited in- The teams met every evening upon struction sites, was an opportunity to cluding high-rise commercial buildings, completing the field visit and ex- interact with the large-scale construc- residential blocks, roads, bridges, un- changed lessons. The campaign tion and contracting firms. The mes- derpasses and metro transport. A set concluded on 16th November 2018. sage that was delivered on one site of of seven teams consisting 16 tech- Participants excitedly enumerated the such firms will automatically reach to nical labour inspectors of the Labour following achievements that reflect the other sites contracted under the same and Human Resources Department pro-activeness of the province in im- firm. It is expected that in this way a of Sindh visited 66 construction sites. proving OSH standards: great ripple effect will be created as far The teams carried out on site aware- Sindh was the first province to enact an as the sensitivity towards OSH risks ness raising sessions with workers, site OSH law takes and also took lead on and information about legal provisions supervisors and employer representa- launching the first ever OSH campaign are concerned. tives and attempted to enhance the in the construction sector of Pakistan.

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 98 news population and events

The State of World Population 2018

tion prevents millions of women from choosing smaller families. Since the 1994 International Con- ference on Population and Develop- ment, reproductive health and rights have substantially improved around the world. People have more information about their reproductive rights and choices, and a greater capacity to claim their rights. “The historic transition to lower fertility,” says the report, “has emerged through people claim- ing their right to make choices about their reproductive lives, and to have as few, or as many, children as they want, when they want.” The report classifies all countries in The global trend towards smaller fam- citizens. Family size is closely linked the world by the current dynamics ilies is a reflection of people making with reproductive rights, which, in of their populations’ fertility. It makes reproductive choices to have as few turn, are tied to many other rights, in- specific recommendations for poli- or as many children as they want, cluding the right to health care, edu- cies and programmes that would help and when they want. Once people cation, and jobs. Where these rights each country increase reproductive lack choice, it can have a long-term are stifled, people often fail to achieve choices.To make freedom of choice a impact on fertility rates, often making their full potential, impeding economic reality, says the report, countries can them higher or lower than what most and social progress, according to the prioritize universal access to quality people desire, according to The State new report, entitled, “The Power of reproductive health care, including of World Population 2018, published Choice: Reproductive Rights and the modern contraceptives; ensure better today by UNFPA, the United Nations Demographic Transition.” education, including age-appropri- sexual and reproductive health agen- The global report found that no coun- ate and culturally-sensitive sexuality cy. try can claim that all of its citizens education; advocate for a change in Pakistan is the fifth most populous enjoy reproductive rights at all times. men’s attitudes to be supportive of the country in the world with 208 million Most couples cannot have the num- rights and aspirations of women and people and a population growth rate ber of children they desire to have girls; and make it easier for couples to of 2.4% per year. The growing popula- because they either lack economic have more children, if they want them, tion is likely to outstrip developmental and social support to achieve their by enabling greater work-life balance gains, and continue to adversely affect preferred family size, or don’t have through measures such as affordable the economy, environment, health, the means to control their fertility. The child care. education and quality of the lives of all unmet need for modern contracep-

99 news refugees and events and migrants

International Migrants Day

Message by António Vitorino, Director General International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Migration is a great issue of our era. Mi- gration With Dignity (#WithDignity) is the theme of 2018’s International Migrants Day, observed on 18 December. Treating all migrants with dignity is the fundamental requirement we face before anything else we attempt on migration because our future depends on it. So, too, does our present. Migration is a force for dignity because it allows people to choose to save themselves, protect themselves, educate themselves, or free themselves. It lets millions choose participation over isolation, action over idleness, hope over fear and prosperity over poverty. We must dignify those choices by pay- towards dignity for all, and towards a IOM reaffirms that migration is a driving ing them respect. more balanced discourse and wide- force for progress and development not We also have the choice. To answer mi- spread cooperation on migration. just for those on the move, but also for grants’ hopes with our acceptance; to The GCM strikes a delicate balance transit countries and especially, receiv- answer their ambition with opportuni- between the sovereignty of nations and ing communities in destination coun- ties. To welcome rather than repudiate the security, and dignity, we tries. their arrival. The Compact stresses all states need We renew our call to save lives by en- We must also respect and listen to well-managed migration, and that no suring migration is safe, regular and those who have become frightened of one state can achieve this on its own. dignified for all. the changes that migration brings to Cooperation at all levels is fundamental their lives. Whether their fears are war- to addressing migration. ranted or not, they are authentic and For many people, the mere act of mi- deserve to be addressed with dignity. gration exposes them to great dangers. Unless we give all citizens the assur- IOM’s data show that close to 3,400 ance their choices, too, are respected, migrants and refugees have already lost we risk losing a real opportunity for pro- their lives worldwide in 2018. Most died gress. trying to reach Europe by sea; many The adoption earlier this month in others perished attempting to cross Marrakech of the Global Compact for deserts or pass through dense forests Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration seeking safety far from official border (GCM) by an overwhelming majority of crossings. These numbers, compiled UN Member States takes us one step daily by IOM staff, shame us.

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 100 news and events refugees and migrants UNHCR welcomes Pakistan’s decision to extend stay of Afghan refugees

The UN refugee agency welcomed Ms. Menikdiwela appreciated the Afghan refugee elders sit and talk the federal government’s decision people and government of Pakistan in the Khazana refugee village, to extend the Proof of Registration for hosting Afghan refugees for Peshawar.© UNHCR/Sam Phelps. (PoR) cards to some 1.4 million Af- nearly four decades. She affirmed ghan refugees in Pakistan until 30 that UNHCR will continue to sup- government of Afghanistan and the June 2019. port any future government policy United Nations on 27-28 Novem- The decision will provide relief and which supports voluntary repatria- ber 2018 in Geneva, saying that predictability to Afghan refugees tion in dignity and safety, and will preparations for the conference are who were facing uncertainty and keep striving for international sup- underway, adding the objective is anxiety, said UNHCR Country Rep- port to Pakistan for Pakistani host to firmly show the solidarity of the resentative in Pakistan, Ms. Ruven- communities and Afghan refugees international community with the drini Menikdiwela. living in Pakistan. people and government of Afghan- She met with Arbab Shahzad, Ad- Ms. Menikdewela also briefed the istan. viser to the Prime Minister on es- advisor on the upcoming ministerial tablishment on Friday. conference being organised by the

101 news refugees and events and migrants

Integrated homestead gardening for Afghan refugees in Balochistan

Within the framework of the Australi- an Government funded Australia Ba- lochistan Agri Business Programme (AusABBA) FAO establishes vegetable kitchen gardens in six districts in South West Balochistan. Fruits and vegetables are produced, poultry and goats are raised and honey is also produced on a small scale at these kitchen gardens. Mr Filippo Grandi , High Commission- er for Refugees , UNHCR appreciated the collaboration between UNHCR and FAO to help build sustainable livelihoods for Afghan refugees. Adopting a Farmer Field School (FFS) approach on the establishment and operation of these gardens FAO equips UNHCR and FAO are working together In this connection, FAO in collaboration women with knowledge and skills to in district Chagai, Balochistan to intro- with UNHCR also organized 5 days maintain their own gardens back home duce homestead gardens to Afghan training on integrated homestead gar- in their districts. Integrated Homestead refugees. dening at the FAO model vegetable Gardening is instrumental in increasing This collaboration will enable refugees kitchen garden in the Balochistan Ag- rural production and consumption of to establish kitchen gardens that will ricultural Research and Development vegetables and fruits and to enhance provide them opportunities to engage Centre (BARDC), Quetta. the nutritional status of mothers and in economic activities and eventually 40 men and women from FAO, district children in the villages. A marketable improve food security and nutrition for community facilitators, government of surplus as a result of these activities their families. Balochistan and UNHCR staff and their helps generate income for the women. FAO will advise UNHCR on enabling af- implementing partner in Chagai were ghan refugees to establish kitchen gar- trained on various aspects of vegeta- dens in the districts, including the pro- ble production including seed selection vision of tools, seed, irrigation kits and and production; seed bed preparation; other essential inputs. FAO will also link sowing, irrigation, mulching; integrated UNHCR beneficiaries with the trained pest and diseases management; ferti- Government facilitators in the district. lizer application; nutritional aspects of Training on enterprise and agri business vegetables and fruits; harvesting and development for UNHCR districts will processing as well as the economic as- also be conducted. pects of vegetable production.

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 102 news and events refugees and migrants Japan pledges USD 2.7 million to support Afghan refugees and Pakistani youth

The government of Japan pledged a contribution of USD 2.7 million to support refugees and host communities across Pakistan. This contribution will support UN- HCR’s interventions in the areas of health, livelihoods, as well as the provision of legal support to around 1.39 million registered Afghan refugees. The new funding will benefit some 475,000 refugees and youth in host communities in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ba- lochistan and Punjab. Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, H.E. Takashi Kurai and UNHCR’s Country Representative in Pakistan, Ruvendrini Menikdiwela signed the agreement with Chief Commission- gees who have been detained. In for nearly four decades. er for Afghan Refugees, Saleem addition, Japan’s aid will be spent Last year, the Government of Ja- Khan, in attendance. on bolstering refugee’s self-reli- pan also provided some US$ 3.8 Part of Japan’s contribution will ance. UNHCR will provide liveli- million specifically to UNHCR Pa- be invested in the health sector to hoods support to Pakistani youth kistan while Japan has been as- improve access to healthcare ser- and Afghan refugee youth through sisting Afghan refugees in Pakistan vices in Pakistan. This will support vocational and technical skills train- and their host communities for over some 430,000 Afghan refugees ing. ten years with grants of some USD with health issues. The assistance Speaking at the occasion, Ruven- 200 million. also will provide the legal aid ser- drini Menikdiwela commended the Pakistan continues to host 1.39 vices for Afghan refugees. people and government of Japan million Afghan refugees. Around 4.3 UNHCR’s aid and legal advice pro- for the contribution saying this will million Afghan refugees have re- gramme is implemented through allow UNHCR to continue support- turned to Afghanistan since 2002. partners in nine centres in the main ing vulnerable Afghan refugees and refugee-hosting areas across Paki- youth of the Pakistani host commu- stan. The new funding will support nities. some 45,000 Afghan refugees and Japan highly appreciates the efforts help continue the provision of free made by the Pakistani people in legal advice and legal aid, as well host communities who have been as court representation for refu- accommodating Afghan refugees

103 news and events promoting sdgs

Pakistan on the path towards achieving SDGs under One UN Programme III

The United Nations in Pakistan is fo- tries that adopted the SDGs as Na- cused on supporting the country to tional Development Goals and one achieve the SDGs. Efforts continue of the few countries that are invest- to tackle development challenges in ing their own resources to achieve Pakistan under the UN Sustainable the SDGs. Development Framework for the pe- The 5-year partnership framework riod 2018-2022. sets out the direction of the UN’s This was highlighted at the 6th Pro- support to the government of Paki- vincial Steering Committee meeting stan to achieve the 17 Goals of the of the One UN Operation Plan III 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Devel- (OPIII) that was held at the Planning opment Goals. and Development Department Sec- Delivering as One UN is about UN retariat in Quetta today. partners working together more Mr Sajjad Ahmed Bhutta, Addition- closely to increase effectiveness, im- al Chief Secretary Development proved results, relevance, alignment chaired the meeting. Co-chairs of with national priorities, efficiency, re- the Balochistan Steering Commit- duced duplication and transaction tee, Mr Neil Buhne United Nations costs at country, regional and global Resident Coordinator and Ms Minà levels. Dowlatchahi, FAO Representative in Pakistan elaborated upon the approaches to align the UN Sustaina- ble Development Goals framework with the priorities of the government of Pakistan. Successes achieved over the past year were also presented to the participants, which included high-level officials from various government departments in Balochistan. Pakistan is amongst the first coun-

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 104 news and events promoting sdgs

Serena Hotels and UNDP join hands to support Sustainable Development in Pakistan

UNDP in Pakistan and Serena Ho- tels signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic collaboration to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This partnership aims to provide a framework of cooperation and facilitate and strengthen collaboration under UNDP’s mission to support achievement of the Sustainable De- velopment Goals, helping build and share solutions towards sustainable tourism, biodiversity protection and wildlife conservation, and under Serena Hotels’ Corporate Social Responsibility targets of promoting responsible management of natural resources, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. Serena Hotels in Pakistan continues The MoU was signed by Mr Aziz to play its part to help advance the Boolani, CEO, Serena Hotels Paki- Sustainable Development Agenda stan and Mr Ignacio Artaza, Country set out by the United Nations (UN) Director, UNDP Pakistan. and is committed to foster innova- Mr Aziz Boolani said Serena Hotels, tions and programmes that respond with this MoU, is committing to a to the needs of the environment, continued engagement with UNDP economy and communities. to meet the Sustainable Develop- UNDP recognizes the private sector ment Goals. as a key partner towards achieving Mr Ignacio Artaza said UNDP was the universally adopted Sustainable very grateful to Serena Hotels for Development Goals. their commitment to protect the en- With support from Serena Hotels’, vironment. UNDP will enhance efforts to achieve the SDGs and eradicate poverty and inequality in all its forms, by tackling the dual threats of climate change and disasters.

105 news and events promoting sdgs

WFP and erstwhile FATA Secretariat renew commitment to national goals

WFP and the Government of Khyber port to improve nutrition, livelihoods, ed- underline the need for multi-sectoral ac- Pakhtunkhwa (KP) - formerly the Feder- ucation, disaster risk reduction, climate tion; more than one in three households ally Administered Tribal Areas Secretariat change risk management, supply chain are moderate to severely food-insecure - today signed a five-year agreement for services and emergency preparedness and the most recent nutrition survey in- the newly merged districts, to achieve and response in the newly merged dis- dicates 58 percent of children under 5 key goals regarding food security and tricts of KP. WFP will work closely with years of age are stunted – too small and nutrition. The MoU was signed by Cap- relevant technical line directorates in the short for their age - , while 19.5 percent tain Retired Sikander Qayum, Additional areas, the Department of Education, UN suffer from acute malnutrition – above Chief Secretary of erstwhile FATA Secre- agencies and other stakeholders. the critical threshold. tariat and Finbarr Curran, Country Direc- WFP will continue its community-based Education and early dropout rate among tor and Representative of WFP Pakistan. livelihoods and Disaster Risk Reduction/ school children are also challenging with The agreement aligns WFP’s work to the Management support and will address four out of five girls not finishing primary pillars of local and national development, immediate food and cash needs. school, and results for boys only slightly including the three-year FATA Transition In addition, through WFP’s Food Assis- better. Under the MoU, WFP will con- Plan, Ten Years’ Socio-Economic De- tance for Assets programme communi- tinue its education support programme velopment Plan, Multi-Sectoral Nutrition ties will restore assets while building re- to help encourage children to enroll and Strategy and Pakistan’s Vision 2025 - silience. Efforts to boost capacities and stay in school, and help raise nutrition underpinning Pakistan’s commitments skills within communities will focus on awareness among students and com- to achieve the Sustainable Development involving women. munities. Goals (SDGs). WFP will extend its sup- Statistics for the newly-merged districts

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 106 news and events urban development

Improving municipal solid waste management critical for sustainable urban development

order to solve the problem it is imperative to shift from the conventional end- of-the-pipe waste management system towards a resource management approach. A community-based approach to waste management addresses these problems. Integrated Resource Recov- ery Center (IRRC) is a decentralized community-based recycling and com- posting facility which can be built and operated at low costs by using limited mechanical technology, ensuring low operational costs and with minimal equipment breakdowns, while creating job opportunities. UN Habitat provides technical assistance for establishment of IRRC. The IRRC model in Islamabad demon- The first pilot Integrated Resource Re- promote sustainable urban develop- strates the potential for communi- covery Center in Pakistan established in ment policies that ensure adequate ty-based waste management to improve Sector G-15, Islamabad, in 2014 by UN shelter for all. This year’s theme is Man- public health, mitigate climate change Habitat in collaboration with the Akhtar aging Municipal Solid Waste. It is esti- and create safe jobs. For every dollar in- Hameed Khan Memorial Trust (AHKMT), mated that 20 million tons of solid waste vested, the IRRC model offers USD 10 and support of UNESCAP, was visit- is generated annually in Pakistan with in benefits. The benefits are particularly ed by the Federal Minister for Climate annual growth rate of about 2.4 percent. significant in relation to improved public Change, senior government officials and Rapid urbanization has resulted in a cor- health and climate change mitigation, al- a large number of stakeholders, com- responding increase in the volume and though employment creation also plays munity members, civil society organiza- complexity of solid waste. Open burn- a part. The IRRC diverts 90 per cent of tions and universities. ing of waste is estimated to account for waste from centralized disposal and is The event was organized in commemo- a quarter of Pakistan’s reported car- a factor of ten cheaper than providing ration of the World Habitat Day. It brings bon emissions. Dumped waste is also centralized disposal facilities. attention to UN-Habitat’s mandate to a major cause of diarrheal diseases. In

107 news and events urban development

Tencent-UNDP partner to launch Connecting Cities to Solutions

Humanity faces mounting challenges (i.e. water, energy, transportation, etc.) 2025. Toward this end, UNDP will sup- as global population increases in a cli- and invites entrepreneurs and solution port Islamabad to clearly articulate its mate stressed world. Cities find them- providers to engage in addressing the water challenge and help broadcast selves at the forefront of these grand problem. It is important there to be high it to the rest of the world. An online challenges. Cities have an instrumental quality “market signaling” mechanisms system will be available for interna- role to play in tackling climate change, between government bodies and local/ tional and local solutions providers to as they consume close to 65 per cent international technologists and entre- engage with the city around this grand of the world’s energy and generate for preneurs. The initial pilot in Islamabad, challenge. Innovation will play a pivot- more than 70 per cent of global green- Pakistan, will work with the Municipal al role in tackling our most intractable house gas emissions. They also drive Corporation Islamabad on the press- development challenges. Through this growth, accounting for 80 per cent of ing issue of water scarcity. Islamabad important collaboration, lives of under- global GDP.Given these trends, we has significant challenges with water served communities will be improved, need to ensure that cities have more scarcity and quality. Over the past five and this will be a testimony of how a opportunities to adopt innovations that years, water shortage in Islamabad has new generation of partnerships be- can improve quality of life. Tencent been elevated to the level of crisis. In tween UNDP, governments and pri- is the inaugural supporter to the UN- 2017, 74 per cent of the water sup- vate sector actors will help achieve DP’s new initiative, Connecting Cities plied was contaminated leading to a the SDGs. With current low levels of to Solutions, with the objective of set- hepatitis rate of 25 per cent. Currently, foreign direct investment, this is a wel- ting up an easy system that facilitates at 50 million gallons per day Islamabad come opportunity, especially as it aims adoption of innovative solutions that gets less than 40 per cent of the water to boost engagement and exchange boost sustainable development. This it needs, while losses in delivery hover between global solution providers and will be done through a web-based around 30 per cent. Severe droughts the city of Islamabad. platform that records the challenges and water outages are expected by

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 108 news and events volunteerism

International Volunteer Day recognizes volunteer’s contributions towards building resilient communities

International Volunteer Day, held each year on 5 December, celebrates the efforts of volunteers and organizations. This is the occasion to promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, government authorities and the private sector. This year’s theme “Volunteers build Resilient Communities” celebrates volunteer efforts that strengthen local ownership and the resilience of the community in the face of natural disasters, economic stresses and political shocks. bly, Ms. Quratulain Marri, Senator, Wa- including Pakistan. These volunteers The United Nations Volunteer (UNV) jiha Akram, Parliamentary Secretary have worked with almost every UN Programme in Pakistan joined to sup- Education, Heads of UN Agencies, agency in Pakistan in various capaci- port the International Volunteer Day Members of Diplomatic Corps, Repre- ties. celebrations in Islamabad. The United sentatives from Civil Society and Media, Earlier, António Guterres, UN Sec- Nations State of World’s Volunteerism Youth and Students. retary-General in his statement also Report 2018 was also launched. In 2002, Pakistan was amongst the recognized the important role of UN Ignacio Artaza, United Nations Devel- 142 Member States that co-sponsored Volunteers in promoting sustainable de- opment Programme (UNDP) Country the UN General Assembly Resolution velopment. “The diverse and dynamic Director in Pakistan announced the of- 57/106, which requested the UN Sec- role of volunteerism in promoting the ficial inauguration of the Pakistan volun- retary-General to factor volunteerism Sustainable Development Goals merits teer awards to honour young men and into his reports on the implementation strong support from Governments and women who are making extraordinary of the Millennium Declaration. In the other stakeholders. On this Internation- and selfless contributions to society. last 10 years, UNV has mobilized more al Day, I thank volunteers for their efforts The event was attended by Ms. Shan- than 350 national and international vol- to leave no one behind,” he said. dana Khan, Member National Assem- unteers from more than 12 countries,

109 news and events youth’s empowerment

Royal Norwegian Embassy partners up for the social and economic empowerment of youth in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

To support social and economic empowerment of youth in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the Royal Norwegian Embassy signed a partnership agreement of USD 2.87 million with UNDP. The agreement builds on the momentum and repository of knowledge, experience, and linkages established during the implementation of the Youth and Social Cohesion Pro- ject, a predecessor project supported by the Government of Norway in the province. During the first phase of the project, UNDP established 6 multi-functional tiative will have broader geographical by training 200 young journalists from community centres in D.I. Khan and outreach and strategic engagement mainstream and regional press on ac- Bannu districts, provided livelihoods of essential actors at the policy lev- curate and informed reporting based and mentorship trainings to more el as its key pillars. More specifically, on reliable data. More importantly, in than 2,000 young people, organized the partnership will help provide social collaboration with the Department of sports and recreational activities for enterprise development trainings to Youth, Home and Tribal Affairs, and more than 90,000 people, and devel- 5,000 young people, business devel- the Planning and Development De- oped the open source Virtual Platform opment and management practices partment in the Government of Khy- for Peace and Development (VPPD) to to 3,000 youth, and livelihood skills ber Pakhtunkhwa, the programme will promote informed decision making in and psycho-social skills to more than help to foster sustained interactions the peacebuilding domain in Khyber 200 young people. and dialogues between youth and Pakhtunkhwa. The software was de- The partnership will also pave the critical power actors in the Govern- veloped in collaboration with the In- way in creating an empirically in- ment, resulting in active inputs from stitute of Peace and Conflict Studies formed narrative on peace and de- young people in future provincial de- at the University of Peshawar. In this velopment related issues in Khyber velopment policies. regard, the second phase of the ini- Pakhtunkhwa. This will be achieved

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 110 news and events youth’s empowerment

International Student’s Convention and Expo - 2018

The Inter University Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences Pa- kistan (IUCPSS) in partnership with the UN Information Centre and several other partners organized first of its kind and largest ever International Students Convention and Expo in Is- lamabad. Some 300 students from 30 countries and over 1,000 delegates from 70 top ranking universities in Pakistan attended the convention. The youth have been engaged in more than 30 sessions and competitions throughout the session on 12 – 13 Decem- ber 2018. These activities included: international conferences on youth development, vice chancellors forum on Sustainable Development Goals , Asian Peace Festival, diplomat forum & corner, university pavilion, books pavilion, digital technologies pavilion, tourism & culture pavilion, job fair, career counselling sessions, model UN and National Assembly sessions, talent hunt, ideas corner, workshops, seminars, and many others. Representatives from the United Nations, NGOs, Academia and de- their roles and responsibilities in languages, Basic Facts about the velopment sector took part in Vice achieving a better future. United Nations, newsletters, maga- Chancellors Forum on Sustainable Around 21,000 people visited the zines, reports, leaflets and brochures Development Goals and Role of and youth convention and the expo on about the work of the UN entities. highlighted work of the UN and effec- 12 – 13 December 2018. Taking this Students took keen interest in the tive role of universities in achieving opportunity of greater visibility, UNIC UN’s publications. SDGs. set up a booth in the centre of the The convention was one of the larg- UNIC Director, a.i also participated pavilion of the expo and displayed est participated event by the youth in in the Model UN sessions and dis- publications including, UN charter, the county. cussed with young delegates about UDHR in English, Urdu and Pashto

111 news and events youth’s empowerment

Balochistan University of Information Technology (BUITEMS) named SDG Hub for Goal 8 by UNAI

The Balochistan University of Infor- mation Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences in Pakistan has been named the SDG Hub for SDG Goal 8 by United Nations Aca- demic Impact (UNAI) as it announces its inaugural class of SDG Hubs. The Balochistan University of In- formation Technology, Engineer- ing, and Management Sciences (Pakistan) is dedicated to providing quality education with a focus on research and equipping students to be productive members of society while contributing to the socio-economic uplift of Pakistan in general, and the competition designed to inspire and Learn more region of Balochistan in particular. It instill entrepreneurial and business SDG Hubs: believes that quality education can acumen among young people and https://bit.ly/2AhvGuk contribute to economic growth and it also to encourage them to consider has incorporated entrepreneurship in entrepreneurship as a career option. United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) its curricula for all major degree pro- https://academicimpact.un.org/ grams and encourages its students The United Nations Information Centre and alumni to launch their own start- in Pakistan congratulates BUITEMS ups. To extend support to its stu- on this impressive achievement and dents, the university in collaboration is looking forward to successful future with Ministry of Information Technolo- cooperation. gy, established a National Incubation Center on campus. The university also launched the Enterprise Challenge Programme, which is an inter-school

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 112 guest in town

Visit: UN High Commissioner for Refugees and UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator and UNHCR’s Director for Asia and Pacific visit Pakistan

The United Nations High Commissioner lamic Republic of Pakistan. The two UN other communities affected by dis- for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, the UN Un- officials expressed their gratitude to the placement. He said there was a major der-Secretary-General for Humanitarian people and the Government of Pakistan opportunity now to help the people of Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordina- – acknowledging Pakistan’s generosity the tribal districts to improve their lives, tor, Mr. Mark Lowcock and UNHCR’s in hosting one of the world’s largest ref- and that the international community Director for Asia and Pacific, Mr. Indrika ugee populations for decades. must do all it can to support the Gov- Ratwatte were welcomed in Islamabad ernment in this. on a three-day visit. During the meeting, the Prime Minister Before coming to Pakistan, the High affirmed his government’s commitment Commissioner visited Iran and Afghan- During the visit, the High Commissioner to refugee repatriation remaining vol- istan. held meetings with Pakistan govern- untary despite the internal challenges ment officials, attended various events, that Pakistan faces. He also noted UN- Since 2002, around 4.3 million Afghan as well as visited Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, HCR’s generous financial contribution refugees have returned home from Pa- where he met refugees and refugee and support provided to the Shaukat kistan with UNHCR’s assistance. The families returning to Afghanistan. Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital country still hosts some 1.4 million Af- and Research Centre in Peshawar. ghan refugees. Some 67 per cent live Among the official meetings, the High Mr. Lowcock confirmed his determi- in urban or rural areas, while 33 per Commissioner and Mr. Mark Lowcock nation to mobilize greater international cent reside in 54 refugee villages. met with the Prime Minister of the Is- support for areas hosting refugees and

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Joint Communique

By the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions

The UN High Commissioner for Ref- the Government and people of vided important experiences and ugees and the Ministry of States and Pakistan in having generously the development of best practic- Frontier Regions issued following hosted one of the world’s largest es globally. joint communique: protracted refugee situations for • The Government of Pakistan en- nearly four decades. He high- couraged robust development • This Communique is being is- lighted the important contribution projects in Afghanistan, particu- sued in pursuance of the High that Pakistan’s generosity has larly in the potential areas of re- Commissioner’s meetings with continued to make to regional turn for sustainable repatriation the representatives of the Gov- stability (including in the context with ensured practicality and ernment of Pakistan, notably of the challenging situation in Af- implementation details to incen- the Prime Minister, the Minister ghanistan), but also more broad- tivize the returnees. The Govern- of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign ly to the refugee cause. In this ment of Pakistan also highlighted Secretary and the Secretary SA- regard, the High Commissioner the imperative need for including FRON. appreciated the unique relation- the voluntary returnees in the • The High Commissioner ac- ship between the Government of overall resolution of the Afghan knowledged the hospitality of Pakistan and UNHCR which pro- conflict and development plans

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 114 news and events guest in town

in Afghanistan and would help the Government of Afghanistan. • The High Commissioner strongly in sustainable reintegration of re- The High Commissioner also appreciated these efforts and returnees. welcomed the important pro- iterated UNHCR’s committment • The High Commissioner ap- gress that has been made within to the implementation of the prised the Government of Paki- the framework of the Afghan- Global Compact on Refugees, stan of his discussions with the istan-Pakistan Action Plan on the SSAR+ and the forward-look- Government of Afghanistan and Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS), ing Comprehensive Policy of the commended the committment of including the establishment of a Government of Pakistan which the Government of Afghanistan, bilateral working group on refu- recognizes the complex nature at the highest levels, to finding gee returns and reintegration. and context of mixed cross-bor- solutions to the long-standing • The Government of Pakistan re- der movements and reconciles displacement issues. He under- ferred to its pro-active engage- the fundamental principles of lined concrete steps taken in ment in global discussions per- refugee protection and migration this regard, including Afghani- taining to the Global Compact management. In this regard, the stan’s resolve to implement the on Refugees, its agreement to High Commissioner commended Comprehensive Refugee Re- extend the SSAR+ framework the measures taken by the Gov- sponse Framework (CRRF), the for 2018-19 and its progressive ernment of Pakistan to register increasing engagement of both implementation of the Compre- and document the undocument- humanitarian and development hensive Policy on Voluntary Re- ed Afghans and to work with actors in supporting sustainable patriation and Management of the Government of Afghanistan reintegration of all categories of Afghan Nationals, adopted by in ensuring that they can obtain returning Afghans, and UNHCR’s the Federal Cabinet in 2017, in- Afghan passports and Pakistani efforts to support sustainable re- cluding notably the recent regis- visas. He also encouraged the integration, notably in 15 areas of tration of nearly 880,000 undoc- Government of Pakistan to ex- high return selected jointly with umented Afghans. tend the validity of the Proof of

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Registration (PoR) cards for Af- this purpose, in line with the cen- Afghan refugee situation higher ghan refugees beyond Septem- tral committments of the Global on the agenda of the interna- ber 2018. Compact on Refugees. tional community, acknowledge • The Joint Government-UNHCR • Both the High Commissioner the immense contribution and Refugee Affected and Hosting and the Government of Pakistan experience of Pakistan as a prin- Areas (RAHA) initiative has since noted that traditional approach- cipal host country, and advocate its launch in 2009 provided vital es are no longer sufficient to for greater responsibility-sharing assistance (with a total of over address the protracted Afghan and support for both i) volun- USD 200 million) to 10.6 million displacement situation, in view tary repatriation and sustainable individuals, including both Af- of the prevailing challenges in reintegration in Afghanistan and ghan refugees and their Pakistani Afghanistan. As such, and in or- ii) support for host communities host communities. The contin- der to maximize the impact in an pending return and reintegration. ued and reinvigorated support of environment of shrinking human- the international community for itarian resources globally, it is vi- RAHA is an essential demonstra- tal to pursue innovative solidarity tion of tangible burden-sharing approaches and joint advocacy and solidarity with Pakistan for and resource mobilization, in- hosting one of the world’s larg- cluding through various follow-up est protracted refugee situations. measures presented in the Glob- The High Commissioner under- al Compact on Refugees. lined that UNHCR will continue • The upcoming international fora, to pro-actively engage with a including notably the 2018 Gene- variety of partners and advocate va Conference on Afghanistan, for commensurate support by will provide important opportuni- the international community for ties to further raise the protracted

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 116 news and events guest in town

Providing free treatment to poor cancer patients

Mahira Khan cutting the ribbon at the radiotherapy ward at the Shaukat The United Nations High Khanum Memorial Hospital in Peshawar. Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi unveiling the The United Nations High Commis- tients, including Afghan refugees. plaque at the radiotherapy ward sioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi at the Shaukat Khanum Memorial commended the charitable work of The radiotherapy machines will be Cancer Hospital in Peshawar. the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Can- fully operational by the end of this cer Hospital saying providing free- year. Radiotherapy uses high-energy pitality and generosity. of-cost treatment to underprivileged radiation to break down cancer cells Dr. Faisal Sultan, Chief Executive cancer patients is a noble act. and treat tumours in the body. UN- Officer of Shaukat Khanum Memo- The High Commissioner was ac- HCR will also provide training to the rial Cancer Hospital and Research companied by the UN Under-Secre- technicians to operate the equip- Centre appreciated the support tary-General for Humanitarian Affairs ment effectively. The new cancer from UNHCR for the construction and Emergency Relief Coordinator, equipment will provide some 30,000 of the Emergency Assessment Unit Mr. Mark Lowcock and film star, Ms. treatment sessions to both Paki- and provision of the state-of-the-art Mahira Khan. stanis and Afghan refugees in 2019. equipment. UNHCR constructed the emergen- The UN refugee agency has pro- Speaking in the hospital, the High cy assessment room and provided vided high-tech machines worth Commissioner thanked the people other medical equipment to the Pe- Rs.710 million (USD 6.2 million) for and provincial government of Khy- shawar Shaukat Khanum hospital in Peshawar’s Shaukat Khanum Me- ber Pakhtunkhwa for currently host- 2015. morial Cancer hospital to support ing some 800,000 Afghan refugees free-of-cost treatment to cancer pa- in the spirit of Islamic values of hos-

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Investing in youth will pay dividends for peace and prosperity

The United Nations High Commis- sioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi Friday said empowering youth and investing in their future will pay dividends for peace, security and prosperity.

The UN refugee agency through the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) enrolled 40 students in January 2018 for six-month vocational and technical skills training in the automobile and heavy machinery trades.

The training courses have been completed and graduates have been The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi awarding a awarded internationally recognised certificate to an Afghan refugee who has recently completed his training at the certificates and start-up tool kits, Construction Technology Training Institute in Islamabad. © UNHCR/A.Shahzad which will help them to make a sustainable living to meet their basic needs. The High Commissioner also presented certificates to the students.

Pakistan continues to host 1.4 million Afghan refugees and 74 per cent are the second or the third generation born in Pakistan. Of the total registered Afghan refugees, around 64 per cent are youth. Centre director, Colonel Imran Ilahi briefed the delegation on the project. The institute has provided diplomas to some 30,000 Pakistani students so far. Ilahi said this is the first batch The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, visiting Construction presented to Afghan refugees. Technology Training Institute in Islamabad. © UNHCR/A.Shahzad

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 118 news and events guest in town

Visit: WHO Regional Director WHO Regional Director praises Pakistan’s strong political commitment to achieving universal health coverage on official visit

Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional against measles. applauded the heroic efforts of polio Director for the Eastern Mediterrane- Al-Mandhari also acknowledged the frontline staff and Lady Health Workers an, has concluded his first official visit Ministry’s initiatives to curb population (LHWs), who play a crucial role in pro- to Pakistan, applauding efforts to boost growth, expand health insurance and viding essential health services to com- health and health care in the country. strengthen family-based health care in munity members. The two-day visit, from 17-18 Decem- selected districts in Pakistan. He wel- Meeting with Federal Minister of Finance ber 2018, included meetings with sev- comed the Government’s decision to HE Asad Umar and HE Kanwal Shauz- eral Government officials and field visits. impose a “health tax” on tobacco and ab, Parliamentary Secretary for Plan- The Regional Director spoke to the sugary drinks, with the revenues gener- ning, Development and Reforms, the President of Pakistan, HE Arif Alvi, ated being earmarked for health. Regional Director reiterated his vision who noted that health and education Assad Hafeez, Director General of that Health For All cannot be achieved are strategic priorities of the new Gov- Health briefed the WHO delegation on by the Ministry of Health alone, but re- ernment, which is firmly committed to the Government’s 5-year National Ac- quires input from everyone. improving the social conditions of the tion Plan for Health. In a ceremony at- Addressing participants at a Training people and investing in human devel- tended by HE Federal Minister of Health of Trainers (ToT) workshop on Infant opment. and other officials, Al-Mandhari hand- and Young Children Feeding, the Re- Federal Minister of Health HE Aamer ed over 32 vehicles donated by GAVI gional Director noted the importance Mehmood Kiani thanked WHO for its to Extended Program of Immunization of nutrition in fulfilling physical and psy- continued support to Pakistan’s public (EPI) in Pakistan to strengthen health chological health needs of the children. health endeavors, vowing to enhance service delivery. He urged to focus more on addressing mutual collaboration in priority health Jean Gough the UNICEF Regional Di- stunting as a serious public health mat- areas. rector for South Asia joined Al-Mandhari ter in the country, which has also been The Regional Director commended the on a visit to the National Emergency given special attention by the Prime Ministry’s leadership in polio eradication Operations Centre (EOC) for Polio Erad- Minister. and also advancing the Government’s ication in Islamabad. Al-Mandari concluded his visit by meet- UHC agenda. He congratulated the Field visits to a Basic Health Unit (BHU) ing with the staff of WHO country office Minister on a recent breakthrough im- and a Health House in Shah Allah Ditta, in Pakistan. He expressed his gratitude munization campaign, which saw more where a family practice project is be- to the country team. than 38 million children vaccinated ing piloted were also held. Al-Mandhari

119 guest in town

Visit: Executive Director, UN Women UN Women Executive Director takes #HearMeToo to Pakistan

UN Women Executive Director, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, held her first official visit to Pakistan as part of her travels during the 16 Days of Ac- tivism Against Gender-Based Vio- lence. The visit aimed to bolster the gender equality agenda in the country. On the final day of the Executive Di- rector’s mission in Pakistan, she met with the Women Parliamentary Cau- cus, where she stressed the importance of full, equal participation and leadership for women at all levels of decision-making is the key to unlock- ing the transformative change in the societies and achieve sustainable de- House, it remains low at 18.8 per cent. persons with disabilities was now go- velopment. Later in a meeting with Human Rights ing to be part of legislation after con- The Executive Director drew attention Minister Shireen Mazari, the Execu- sent from Parliament, as the bill had to UN Women’s existing resources, tive Director encouraged effective im- been approved by cabinet in its re- such as iKnowPolitics, an interna- plementations of a quota system for cent meeting. The bill, she explained, tional knowledge platform that fosters more women’s representation in the includes clauses for the right to edu- knowledge exchange for all who are legislation for more gender-sensitive cation, right to dignity, right to privacy engaged in promoting women’s po- laws. and some other important points. litical participation, and the recently Minister of Human Rights welcomed The final meeting of the Executive launched flagship publication Gender the Executive Director’s initiative to Director’s mission in Pakistan ended Equality and the Sustainable De- strengthen its closer collaboration on with an affirmation of commitment and velopment Goals in Asia and the developing a guidebook for women support of the Honourable Secretary Pacific which informs about SDGs survivors of violence. of Foreign Affairs, Tehmina Janjua. and the gender equality related indi- The Executive Director participated in The reviews should include an assess- cators. an interactive dialogue on ending har- ment of current challenges that affect Member of National Assembly and assment of women with disabilities, the implementation of the Platform for WPC Secretary, Munaza Hassen joined by Minister of Human Rights, Action and the achievement of gen- raised some key challenges for wom- Shireen Mazari; Resident Coordinator, der equality and the empowerment of en, among those the low number of Neil Buhne; and Jamshed Kazi, Coun- women and its contribution towards women MPs and parliamentary lead- try Representative of UN Women. the full realization of the 2030 Agenda ers. In Pakistan’s lower house, women Minister for Human Rights Shireen for Sustainable Development through represented 25.2 per cent of the to- Mazari, informed the audience that a gender perspective. tal 272 members; while in the Upper the ordinance to protect the rights of

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 120 farewell

Bidding Farewell to Dr Assai Ardakani, Former Head of Country Office, WHO in Pakistan

An august farewell gathering was organized by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Co- ordination (MoNHSR&C) on 27 August 2018 in the Committee Room of the Ministry of Health. High officials from the MoNHSR&C, representatives of various UN Agencies, UN Partners and WHO Pakistan were in big attendance at the event. Mr Mazhar Nisar, Director Implementation MoNHSR&C, moder- ated the event.

Captain (Retd.) Zahid Saeed, Secretary Health MoNHSR&C, welcomed Dr As- sai Ardakani, WHO Head of Country Office in Pakistan. Mr Secretary termed the tenure of Dr Assai as an outstanding tenure in Pa- kistan and said that the relationship between the Ministry and WHO during Dr. Assai’s tenure has been exemplary.

While addressing the gathering, Dr As- sai Ardakani, WHO Head of Office in Pakistan, said that it is impossible for him to say goodbye to Pakistan, he can never do that as he is more Pakistani than an Iranian. Dr Assai encapsulated the initiatives taken jointly with the MoN- ing Universal Health Coverage where ble contributions in the sector of health HSR&C and how WHO in Pakistan and health care is accessible to everyone in Pakistan. Dr Assai was termed as the Ministry, together, have achieved and everywhere sans, cast creed and ‘Friend of Pakistan’ by the participants. milestones in improving the health care religion. system in Pakistan, especially the Sus- Dr Assai Ardakani was presented a tainable Development Goals (SDG). Pa- Representatives of UN agencies and shield and bouquet by the honorable kistan has a long way to go in terms of other high officials from the Ministry Secretary of Health, Captain (Retd.) Za- improving and strengthening the health of Health spoke on the occasion and hid Saeed. care system and aiming toward achiev- spoke highly of Dr Assai and his valua-

121 messages and quotes by antónio guterres, secretary-general of the united nations

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 16 September 2018

“This has been a year of record-breaking heat around the world. It is also a pivotal time for climate action. The landmark Kigali Amendment, which enters into force on 1 Jan- uary 2019, sets its sights on hy- drofluorocarbons (HFCs), powerful climate-warming gases still used in cooling systems. So far, 46 countries have ratified this new instrument; I call on all others to follow suit and show their commitment to a healthier planet. I expect countries to demonstrate significant progress in implementing the Kigali Amendment at the Climate Summit I am convening in September 2019”.

International Day of Peace World Tourism 21 September 2018 Day: “Tourism This year we mark International Day ties. For climate action. and the digital of Peace as we prepare to celebrate Do your part at school, at work, at the 70th anniversary of the Universal home. Every step counts. transformation” Declaration of Human Rights. 27 September 2018 This foundational document is a re- Let us act together to promote and minder that peace takes root when defend human rights for all, in the “Tourism needs innovation in technol- people are free from hunger, poverty name of lasting peace for all. ogy to realize its potential contribu- and oppression and can thrive and tions. Its benefits need to flow to host prosper. communities. Governments can help With the Universal Declaration of Hu- to connect startups with investors to man Rights as our guide, we must facilitate innovation, entrepreneurship, ensure the achievement of the Sus- employment and a truly inclusive tour- tainable Development Goals. ism sector. I encourage you to speak up. For Digital technologies have brought posi- gender equality. For inclusive socie- tive momentum to societies and econ-

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 122 messages and quotes by antónio guterres, secretary-general of the united nations omies around the world. They have connected us on a global level, helped International Day of Non-Violence to empower the most vulnerable and 2 October 2018 become our crucial allies for sustain- “On the International Day of Non-Vi- tration, judicial settlement and other able development. On World Tourism olence, we recognize the enduring peaceful ways to address threats to Day, I call on governments to support vision and wisdom of Mahatma Gan- peace. Gandhi proved that non-vio- digital technologies that can transform dhi, whose birthday we also celebrate lence can change history. Let us be the way we travel, reduce the ecolog- today. As Gandhi once said, “non-vio- inspired by his courage and conviction ical burden of tourism and bring the lence is the greatest force at the disas we continue our work to advance benefits of tourism to all.” posal of mankind.” The Charter of the peace, sustainable development and United Nations echoes that spirit, with human rights for all of the peoples of its call in Chapter VI for the use, “first the world.” of all”, of negotiation, mediation, arbi- World Post Day 9 October 2018 International Day International Day “Resilient postal systems offer support of the Girl Child for the Eradication during natural disasters, financial servic- 11 October 2018 es to hundreds of millions of people; and of Poverty essential information in times of crises.” “…We need to equip girls with 17 October 2018 transferable and lifelong skills such as critical thinking, creativity and “….We must listen to the millions digital awareness. Having role mod- of people experiencing poverty and World Mental els will also be critical, especially in destitution across the globe, tackle Health Day the sciences and other fields where the power structures that prevent the presence of women is sparse. their inclusion in society and ad- 10 October 2018 To help empower young people, dress the indignities they face. We “…Healthy societies require greater in- I recently launched Youth2030, must build a fair globalization that tegration of mental health into broader a strategy that aims to work with creates opportunities for all and health and social care systems, under them, understand their needs and ensure that rapid technological de- the umbrella of universal health coverage. help put their ideas into action. On velopment boosts our poverty erad- The United Nations is committed to cre- this International Day of the Girl, let ication efforts. On this International ating a world where by 2030 everyone, us recommit to supporting every girl Day for the Eradication of Poverty everywhere has someone to turn to in to develop her skills, enter the work- let us commit to uphold the core support of their mental health, in a world force on equal terms and reach her pledge of the 2030 Agenda to leave free of stigma and discrimination…” full potential. “ no one behind.”

World Cities Day 10 October 2018

“…This year’s World Cities Day fo- made disasters. But hazards do not by these examples. Let us work to- cuses on resilience and sustainability. need to become disasters. The an- gether to build sustainable and resilient Every week, 1.4 million people move swer is to build resilience -- to storms, cities that provide safety and opportu- to cities. Such rapid urbanization can floods, earthquakes, fires, pandemics nities for all.” strain local capacities, contributing to and economic crises. increased risk from natural and human On World Cities Day, let us be inspired

123 messages and quotes by antónio guterres, secretary-general of the united nations

International Day to End Impunity for International Day Crimes against Journalists of Solidarity with 2 November 2018 the Palestinian “….When journalists are targeted, so- who do their jobs every day despite in- People cieties as a whole pay a price. timidation and threats. Their work – and I call on Governments and the interna- that of their fallen colleagues -- reminds 29 November 2018 tional community to protect journalists us that truth never dies. Neither must “…..I urge Israel, Palestine and all oth- and create the conditions they need to our commitment to the fundamental ers with influence to restore the prom- do their work. right to freedom of expression. …” ise and viability of the two-state solu- On this day, I pay tribute to journalists tion premised on two states living side by side in peace, harmony and within Tsunami Awareness Day secure and recognised borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both. 5 November 2018 Let us reaffirm our commitment to “….Over the past two decades, tsuna- importance of disaster prevention and upholding the rights of the Palestini- mis have accounted for almost 10 per preparedness, including early warning, an people and to building a future of cent of economic losses from disas- public education, science to better un- peace, justice, security and dignity for ters, setting back development gains, derstand and predict tsunamis, and Palestinians and Israelis alike.” especially in countries that border the development that takes account of risk Indian and Pacific Oceans. in seismic zones and exposed coastal World Tsunami Awareness Day is an areas. “ International opportunity to emphasize again the Volunteer Day International Day of Persons with 5 December 2018 Disabilities “There are approximately 1 billion volunteers across the globe, who ded- 3 December 2018 icate their time, skills and passion to make the world a better place. They “More than 1 billion people in the world with Disabilities, in all contexts and in are often the first to act in moments live with some form of disability. In many all countries. It also means integrating of crisis. They create social bonds and societies, persons with disabilities often the voices and concerns of people with give a voice to marginalized and vulner- end up disconnected, living in isolation disabilities into national agendas and able groups. And as the theme of this and facing discrimination. policies. year’s observance highlights, they help In its pledge to leave no one behind, Today, the United Nations is issuing build resilient communities, equipping the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable De- the UN Flagship Report on Disability people against natural disasters, po- velopment represents a commitment and Development 2018 – realizing the litical instability, economic shocks and to reducing inequality and promoting SDGs by, for and with persons with other pressures.” the social, economic and political inclu- disabilities.” sion of all, including people with disabilities. That means implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons

United Nations Pakistan | Magazine 124 messages and quotes by antónio guterres, secretary-general of the united nations

International Anti- International Day of Commemoration Corruption Day and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime 9 December 2018 of Genocide and of the Prevention of “The United Nations Convention this Crime against Corruption is among our primary tools for advancing the fight. 9 December 2018 Sustainable Development Goal 16 “ I call on all states to translate the hatred, racism and xenophobia, let and its targets also offer a template Genocide Convention’s words into us reaffirm our commitment to up- for action. Through the Convention’s action to prevent massive human holding the equality and dignity of all.” peer review mechanism, we can work suffering and advance accountability. together to build a foundation of trust At a time of rising anti-Semitism, an- and accountability. We can educate ti-Muslim bigotry and other forms of and empower citizens, promote trans- parency and strengthen international cooperation to recover stolen assets.”

International Universal Health International Coverage Day Migrants Day 12 December 2018 18 December 2018

“Today, the world marks the first everyone, everywhere. Tragically, “….This month, the world took a International Universal Health Cov- that is not the case for half of the landmark step forward with the erage Day. Good health is a funda- world’s population. Each year, 100 adoption of the Global Compact for mental human right and crucial to million people are driven into pover- Safe, Orderly and Regular Migra- achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sus- ty because care costs far more than tion. tainable Development. they can afford…..” Backed with overwhelming support Quality physical and mental health by the membership of the United services should be accessible to Nations, the Compact will help us to address the real challenges of migration while reaping its many benefits…..”

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The United Nations has a long-standing partnership with the people of Pakistan in support of national development goals. The United Nations has also been providing humanitarian assistance in case of natural disasters and crises. Led by the Resident Coordinator and Hu- manitarian Coordinator, United Nations works in all eight administrative areas of Pakistan through 19 resident organizations. Straddling humanitarian assistance and The United Nations Pakistan Newsletter is produced by the United Nations Communications Group sustainable development, the work of the United Nations in Pakistan includes key areas such as education, health, water & sanitation, nutrition, economic growth, employment and livelihoods, resilience against disaster, governance, gender equality and social justice. Editor in Chief: Neil Buhne, Resident Coordinator, United Nations The One UN Program for Pakistan, United Nations fo- Pakistan cuses on accelerating progress towards achievement Editor: Vlastimil Samek, Director a.i, United Nations Information of Millennium Development Goals, reducing poverty, Centre promoting opportunities for youth as well as advancing Deputy Editor and Content Producer: Ishrat Rizvi, National gender equality and human rights both at national and Information Officer, United Nations Information Centre sub-national levels. United Nations encourages econom- Sub Editor: Chiara Hartmann, Consultant, United Nations Information ic growth in Pakistan through supporting policies and pro- Centre gram that link small farmers to markets, improving work- Photos Producer: Umair Khaliq, IT Assistant, United Nations ing conditions for women and supporting home-based Information Centre and domestic workers. It will also assist the Government Graphic Designer: Mirko Neri, Consultant, United Nations in strengthening democratic processes and institutions at Information Centre the federal, provincial and local levels. Tackling the ef-

Contributors: Anam Abbas, Mahira Afzal, Qaiser Afridi, Rizwana fects of climate change and reducing Pakistan’s vulnera- Asad, Habib Asgher, Jawad Aziz, Shaheryar Fazil, Mehr Hassan, bilities to natural disasters features especially prominent- Mahwish Humayun, Fatima Inayet, Adresh Laghari, Abdul Sami Malik, Waqas Rafique, Aana Raisani, Ishrat Rizvi, Maliha Shah, Zikrea ly in the work of the United Nations in Pakistan in 2014. Saleh, Asif Shahzad, Maryam Younus.

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