Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has proposed that the UN Secretary General should have at least one billion dollars at his disposal to deal with post-disaster and post-conflict humanitarian situations.
He was speaking at the launch of the 'Piloting UN Reforms in Pakistan' at a ceremony held in Islamabad on Thursday. Pakistan is THE first of eight countries of the world where the pilot programme has been initiated. It aims at more effective UN that is not only more efficient but also delivers better support to the Government and people of Pakistan in implementing national development strategies and policies.
The PM lauded the valuable support provided by the UN agencies in the wake of the earthquake and said an important lesson learnt is the need for co-ordination, specialisation and efficiency.
He expressed satisfaction that in pursuit of the High Level UN Panel, of which he was a co-chairman, the UN's Central Emergency Relief Fund has been set up.
He said Pakistan is a strong supporter of the UN system. We are proud to be the largest contributor of UN peacekeeping. Referring to the UN reforms, he said the report of the high level panel establishes the fundamental paradigm of national ownership for country programmes.
These programmes must be in consonance with the national development needs, strategies and priorities of each developing countries. The panel also recognised the fact that one size does not fit all. Accordingly, UN reforms must be tailored and adapted at the country level in accordance with the specific circumstances and requirements of the country concerned.
It strongly advocated a more coherent and unified approach towards protection of environment and empowerment of women. The Prime Minister also referred to the legislative and other measures being taken by the Government for empowerment of women in Pakistan. The Prime Minister pointed out that the UN system has a vast reservoir of expertise, resources, knowledge and practical experience.
Minister of State for Economic Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar said the pilot programme would act as a catalyst for change and contribute towards strengthening of the UN system.
UN Assistant Secretary General Dr Hafiz Pasha said Pakistan has been chosen for the launch of the pilot project because of its commitment to reforms, strong leadership and effective team of the UN in the country.
UN Resident Co-ordinator Jan Vandemoortele said the UN country team has agreed on a unified and comprehensive outline of a reform programme. A high level committee has been set up as the ultimate decision making body for issues relating to UN reform at the country level.
It will include representatives from the government, the UN agencies, donors and civil society. A Core Group will serve as an executive body of the high level committee and will be responsible for implementing, monitoring and co-ordination of the reform process in Pakistan.
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