ISLAMABAD: Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam on Tuesday highlighted the significance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in tackling interconnected global challenges.

She was briefing a high-level parliamentary delegation from South Sudan on the SDGs during their visit to the SDGs secretariat in the federal capital.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination said that the delegation was led by South Sudan Transitional National Assembly Deputy Speaker Nathaniel Oyet Pierino.

The meeting aimed to strengthen international cooperation on sustainable development and share insights on implementing the SDGs - a global framework established by the United Nations in 2015 to address pressing challenges such as poverty, education, gender equality, climate action and sustainable economic growth.

Romina Alam, a former convener of the SDGs Task Force, highlighted the significance of the goals in tackling interconnected global challenges.

She emphasised that the SDGs were not only about achieving development but also ensuring environmental protection and equitable progress for all nations, irrespective of their size or economic status.

In her remarks, Ms Alam pointed out the shared vulnerabilities of Pakistan and South Sudan to climate change.

“Both nations faced critical issues, including water scarcity, extreme weather, agricultural instability, and biodiversity loss.”

She called for collaborative efforts to enhance climate adaptation strategies, particularly for vulnerable communities.

“Climate action requires scaled-up global efforts,” Ms Alam stated, stressing the importance of the Paris Agreement in limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees centigrade.

She urged for urgent action to reduce carbon emissions, shift to renewable energy and adopt sustainable practices globally.

The senior government official underscored the challenges faced by developing nations, including financial and technological constraints, in combating climate change and adapting to its impacts.

She called on the international community to bridge these gaps, ensuring that vulnerable countries have the necessary resources to mitigate climate risks and build resilience.

Deputy Speaker Nathaniel Oyet Pierino expressed South Sudan’s commitment to the SDGs, noting the nation’s interest in learning from other countries’ experiences.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2025