NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI), calling for stronger multilateral cooperation to accelerate development and address the growing challenges confronting developing countries.
The prime minister said developing nations were facing increasing pressure from climate-related disasters, rising food and fuel prices and geopolitical tensions.
Shehbaz Sharif described the GDI as a timely initiative aimed at addressing the development challenges facing countries across the developing world.
He recalled that Chinese President Xi Jinping introduced the initiative five years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative demonstrated long-term vision at a time when the global economy and developing countries were facing unprecedented difficulties.
He said the international community was increasingly recognizing the importance of the initiative and its potential contribution to global development.
The prime minister mentioned concerns over the pace of progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that only four years remain before the 2030 deadline.
He said progress toward achieving the goals remained insufficient and slow, requiring stronger international cooperation and practical measures to accelerate implementation.
Shehbaz Sharif said China and the GDI had already contributed to tangible development outcomes in the developing world. He maintained that the initiative reflected the principle of ensuring benefits for a wider range of countries and communities.
The prime minister said Pakistan fully supported the Global Development Initiative, describing it as an important platform for solidarity, cooperation among countries of the Global South and delivering concrete outcomes for developing nations.
He added that the objectives of the GDI were also aligned with Pakistan’s national economic transformation plans.
Pakistan Highlights Cooperation With China
The prime minister also mentioned Pakistan’s development cooperation with China through the Belt and Road Initiative and its flagship China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
He said Pakistan remained committed to working closely with China and other members of the Group of Friends to advance development and cooperation.
Shehbaz Sharif further focused on the importance of strengthening the United Nations’ development pillar. He said the UN Secretary-General’s UN80 initiative should enhance the organization’s capacity to deliver practical results.
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The prime minister reasserted that Pakistan would continue supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening international cooperation and advancing the vision of a shared future for humanity.
