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ISLAMABAD, Nov 04 (APP):Acting President, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday underscored the moral and political imperative of sustainable development, urging collective global action to address shared challenges of terrorism, humanitarian crises, climate resilience, and transnational crimes.
He was addressing the inaugural dinner of the 28th Annual Sustainable Development Conference (SDC), hosted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here.
Welcoming delegates from over 23 countries, Gilani said the SDC exemplified how nations can choose “unity over division” in times of global uncertainty. “This conference stands as a testament to the fact that despite turmoil, nations continue to hold firmly to hope and cooperation,” he remarked.
The Acting President described this year’s theme, “Sustainable Development in the Emerging World Dis/order, as an apt reflection of the global reality, emphasizing that no country can overcome contemporary challenges in isolation.
Highlighting widening inequalities and the digital divide, he cautioned that marginalized communities risk being left behind. “Despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions, Pakistan remains among the most climate-vulnerable countries. We have learned that sustainability is not a luxury, it is a necessity for survival,” he asserted.
Gilani emphasized enhanced South-South cooperation through knowledge-sharing and technology transfer, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. He announced that Pakistan’s Parliament is aligning national legislation with SDG targets and will soon host an Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference on peace, security, and development.
Drawing from his diplomatic experience, the Acting President said parliamentary diplomacy complements traditional diplomacy by strengthening democratic voices and building sustainable consensus. He lauded SDPI for creating a forum that promotes inclusive dialogue and international collaboration. “Together, we can transform the prevailing global disorder into a new world that is equitable, prosperous, just, and sustainable,” he concluded, commending SDPI for its hospitality and successful organization.
Earlier, Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director, SDPI, thanked the performers of the evening’s cultural showcase, including Sindhi Jhumar, Makran Lewa, Pashto Attan, and instrumental performances on flute, rubab, and tabla.
He welcomed delegates from across South Asia, the United States, and other regions, noting that the conference deliberated on regional and global issues such as environment, sustainable growth, agriculture, and food security.
Addressing the gathering, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment (Bangladesh), called for a democratic and equitable global order that amplifies the voices of the marginalized.
She observed that South Asia is undergoing a transformative phase that demands rethinking development models. “The world we are leaving behind for our children risks being full of disasters and scarcity,” she cautioned.
“It is time we rectify our behavior and change our unsustainable consumption patterns.” She emphasized community resilience and regional solidarity in the absence of sufficient international support.
In his vote of thanks, Dr. Nabeel Goheer, Chief for Asia, the Middle East, and Europe at PATH, commended SDPI as a “household name in the development sector.”
He highlighted PATH’s work across 74 countries and described SDPI as its strategic partner in Pakistan. Dr. Goheer thanked the organizers, delegates, and artists for their passion and commitment in making the SDC a resounding success.