Entrepreneurship Ecosystem and Development of Entrepreneurship in Pakistan

Abstract https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=101769
The study has been taken in order to explore the concept of entrepreneurship ecosystem and
how the development of ecosystem model has an impact on the development of
entrepreneurship in Pakistan. Hence, the top-down and bottom up approach both were used
simultaneously in order to comprehend the entrepreneurship ecosystem phenomenon under
investigation. The entrepreneurship ecosystem has been analyzed through SMEDA SME
policies, cultural tendency and private educational institutions’ capacities in Pakistan in the
quantitative part of the study. This study is however, guided by Isenberg (2011) and Mason
and Brown (2014) through their scholarly work on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship
ecosystem. The mixed methods research strategy and parallel convergent design were used to
understand and explore the phenomenon and hence quantitative and qualitative data
were collected simultaneously. Although, the quantitative data were collected through
convenience sampling from six universities, interviews were conducted at the same time from
academic professionals, incubation center representatives and entrepreneurs as well. The
quantitative data were then analyzed through SPSS and qualitative data through trial version
of NVivo 12. The quantitative results show the significant relationship between SMEDA
SME policies and development of entrepreneurship; however, the strength of relationship was
considered to be weak. Similarly, the significant relationship was also found between cultural
tendency and development of entrepreneurship in Pakistan; however strength of relationship
was also weak. Moreover, the significant relationship was found between private educational
institutions’ capacities and development of entrepreneurship but, the strength of relationship
was weak in nature. However, while testing the final hypothesis, the relationship between
cumulative SMEDA policies, cultural tendency, private educational intuitions’ capacities and
entrepreneurship development in Pakistan was also found with moderate strength of
association. While converging the data from quantitative and qualitative part, it was observed
that, both data do converge at some point, because factors emerged in the qualitative data
(family system, educational system, entrepreneurial attributes, and legal framework and
incubation centers) and the results found in the quantitative data do find the relationship
between with the entrepreneurship ecosystem and the development of entrepreneurship in
Pakistan.
Problem Statement:
It has been empirically found and observed that, small firms play a key role in the economic
growth and development globally as the knowledge economy concept has been prevalent in
the current era (Braunerhjelm, 2010). Pakistan is no different in this regard, there is a large
number of small and medium sized enterprises exist in Pakistan that do absorb most of the
non-rural population but, their contribution in the GDP is not as much impressive as it should
be (as in the case of Taiwan and Hong Kong) (Zafar & Mustafa, 2017). In addition to that,
the concept of entrepreneurship is still new in Pakistan because the idea of opening your own
business/venture rather than getting a decent job is not accepted wholeheartedly in the
culture. Hence, the interconnectedness of different institutions (public and private), factors
(cultural or organizational) and processes (the business birth rate, high growth firms (HGF)
etc. support the environment for entrepreneurship activity (ecosystem) is still in its nascent
form (Pakistan Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Report, 2014).
That is why; this research will explore the idea of entrepreneurship ecosystem in terms of
SMEDA policies, cultural tendency and private institutions’ capacities and would strive to
understand their impact on the development of entrepreneurship in Pakistan.
Hypothesis:
H1 = There is a significant relationship between SMEDA policies and entrepreneurship
development in Pakistan
H2 = There is a significant relationship between cultural tendency and entrepreneurship
development in Pakistan
H3 = There is a significant relationship between private educational institutions’ capacities
and entrepreneurship development in Pakistan
H4 = There is a significant relationship between cumulative SMEDA policies, cultural
tendency, private educational intuitions’ capacities and entrepreneurship development in
Pakistan
Qualitative Questions:
1) How do you define entrepreneurship ecosystem in your own terms?
2) What do you think about SMEDA policies and their role in the development of
entrepreneurship in Pakistan?
3) What is your opinion about the cultural tendency; does our culture support/discourage the
idea of entrepreneurship in Pakistan?
4) What do you think regarding the private educational institution’s capacities (like
university) and its contribution in the development of entrepreneurship in Pakistan?
5) In your opinion, if we devise more entrepreneur friendly SMEDA policies, conductive
cultural environment and appropriate private educational institution’s capacities, would the
amalgamation of these all three, contribute to the development of entrepreneurship in
Pakistan?
6) How do you perceive the impact of entrepreneurship ecosystem on the development of
entrepreneurship in Pakistan?
Objectives of the study:
1) To understand how SMEDA policies can play their role in the development of
entrepreneurship in Pakistan
2) To understand how the private institutions can contribute to the development of
entrepreneurship in Pakistan
3) To understand how culture can influence the development of entrepreneurship in Pakistan
4) To elaborate the entrepreneurship ecosystem and the contributing factors into the
development of entrepreneurship ecosystem in Pakistan
5) To find out the relationship between entrepreneurship ecosystem and

development of entrepreneurship in Pakistan

In Pakistan, SMEDA (Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority) is the
organization that supports the entrepreneurship through its vision of producing “Globally
competitive SME sector, through a business friendly environment and support services,
serving as an engine of sustainable growth for national economy”. Hence it has created the
SME policy in 2007, which emphasized on the following key points:
1) SME in Pakistan is defined in terms of number of employees up to 250 people, paid-up
capital up to Rs.25 million and annual sales up to Rs.250 million (SMEDA SME Policy,
2007).
2) It has focused on issues of business environment, human resource development, support
for technology upgrading and marketing.
3) It has also covered implementation and monitoring mechanism of policy measures
4) Capacity building of public institutions
5) Resource allocation and potential sources of funding
6) Linkages with other initiatives and public sector reform processes
7) Role of different stakeholders (Public & Private) at federal, provincial and local level
There are some critics of this policy like it has provided the information regarding the
regulations affecting SME sector but, it has not emphasized on the need of reducing those
regulations and how the people implementing those regulations should be trained, how
public-private partnership can improve SME sector and how exports of Pakistan can be
improved through mobilization efforts by Pakistani embassies and trade ministry (Saleem,
2008).
7. How developing countries can work with developed countries to ensure responsible
domestic material consumption?
Targets
12.1 Implement the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and
Production Patterns, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead,
taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries
12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
12.3 By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce
food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses
12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes
throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and
significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse
impacts on human health and the environment
The material footprint of developing countries has grown, but is still far smaller than that of
developed countries.
12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling
and reuse
12.6 Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt
sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle
12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national
policies and priorities
12.8 By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness
for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
12.a Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to
move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production
12.b Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for
sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
12.c Rationalize inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption by
removing market distortions, in accordance with national circumstances, including by
restructuring taxation and phasing out those harmful subsidies, where they exist, to reflect
their environmental impacts, taking fully into account the specific needs and conditions of
developing countries and minimizing the possible adverse impacts on.

The "material footprint" of an economy refers to the total amount of raw materials extracted
globally—across the entire supply chain—to meet that economy's final consumption demand.
People rely on such materials to meet basic needs—for food, clothing, water, shelter,
infrastructure and many other aspects of life. Across much of the developing world, an
increase in the material footprint is required to enhance the living standards of growing
populations. At the same time, it is important to decrease reliance on raw materials and
increase their recycling to reduce environmental pressure and impact.
The per-capita material footprint of developing countries grew from five metric tons in 2000
to nine metric tons in 2017, representing a significant improvement in material standard of
living. Most of the increase is attributed to a rise in the use of non-metallic minerals, pointing
to growth in the areas of infrastructure and construction.
For all types of materials, developed countries have at least double the per-capita footprint of
developing countries. In particular, the material footprint for fossil fuels is more than four
times higher for developed than developing countries. Because fossil fuels directly impact the
environment in various ways, the need to decouple their use from economic growth is key to
achieving sustainable consumption and production.
 SOUTH ASIA IN UNEP
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
https://www.unep.org/ozonaction/south-asia
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all network and thematic meetings in 2020 and the first half
of 2021 were organized virtually.  However, despite the challenges of the pandemic, UNEP
continues to assist and address critical issues facing the countries in meeting Montreal
Protocol compliance targets as per their HCFC phase-out management plans (HPMP) as well
as initial obligations of the Kigali Amendment prepared through their Enabling Activities
projects.  Asia and the Pacific CAP organized/co-organized the following virtual events to
build the capacity of the NOUs for their implementation of the Montreal Protocol:
South Asia and Southeast Asia Networks brainstorming HFC Policies, 28 April 2021: 70
participants from 21 countries (32 female and 38 male) took part in the meeting. The
participants discussed HFC policies that can be either integrated into/strengthened in their
existing national policy or additionally introduced. Break-out groups were held following the
plenary session to discuss the possibilities and applicability of various HFC policies.
Developed Countries Share Experiences with South Asia and Southeast Asia Networks about
Integration of HFC Phase-down and HCFC Phase-out Processes, 23 February 2021: This
meeting offered opportunities for SA and SEA network countries to learn from the
experience of developed countries. Participants brainstormed on how ongoing activities and
potential strategies can be integrated and extended to the upcoming HFC phase-down. The
discussion also took into consideration an analysis on implications of parallel or integrated
implementation of HCFC phase-out and HFC phase-down activities as presented by the
Multilateral Fund Secretariat.
South Asia-Southeast Asia Networks Meet Virtually to Map Out Montreal Protocol
Implementation under COVID-19, 17 November 2020: This meeting provided a forum to
review and update the progress of the implementation of the Montreal Protocol at the
national/regional level in 2020 and to brainstorm on foreseeable tasks and challenges,
affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Asia-Pacific Countries Address HFC Data Challenges Together, 30 July 2020: To help
countries deal with HFC data challenges, UNEP OzonAction Compliance Assistance
Programme (CAP) in Bangkok convened 72 representatives of countries across Asia-Pacific
in a virtual meeting to share experiences in updating their national licensing systems for
HFCs.
Mongolia Uses "Right-Sized" Approach to Successfully Hold RAC Training Workshops
During COVID-19 Pandemic, 19-20 May and 22-23 May 2020: The training workshops were
part of the country’s early preparation for the ratification of the Kigali Amendment and to
help Mongolia meet its initial obligations in this critical sector after ratification.
As part of the CAP 2019 services, the ROAP CAP team organized the Training Programme
for New National Ozone Officers from Asia Pacific Network Countries in December 2019.
This was an important capacity building activity for new staff of NOU of A5 Parties to
acquire a good understanding of the functions and responsibilities of NOUs for the efficient
implementation of the Montreal Protocol.
The NOU in Bhutan's National Environment Commission developed a fully-fledged
Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) curriculum for the trade of
Refrigeration Air-Conditioning (RAC) and Mobile Air-Conditioning (MAC) servicing
technicians, and the course was adopted by the Ministry of Labour and Human and Resources
that manages the country's TVET programme. ROAP CAP contributed to the development of
this curriculum.
KEY CHALLENGES
Most of the servicing sector is highly informal in the region, resulting in little capacity and
knowledge on ozone and climate-friendly technologies and servicing practices, thus creating
a major barrier to the adoption of such technologies.
Lack of awareness by the end-users (consumers) on ozone and climate-friendly RAC
technologies has been a barrier to the uptake of environmentally friendly refrigerants and
energy-efficient RAC equipment.
There is a need for strengthening institutional frameworks between the NOUs and other
relevant government agencies and stakeholders for improving the implementation of
Montreal Protocol related policies and regulations. Furthermore, new stakeholders and
partnerships need to be fostered to achieve synergies of Montreal Protocol obligations with
climate change and energy efficiency goals.
Geographic positioning and sharing of porous borders of many countries make monitoring
and prevention of illegal ODS trade challenging.
 Some of the countries in the Network face implementation challenges due to prevailing
political situations and security challenges.
FUTURE OBJECTIVES
The 2021 SA Network workplan is mainly comprised of compliance assistance services,
preparation and implementation of individual country projects related to HCFC phase-out,
Institutional Strengthening Projects, and Enabling Activities related to the HFC phase-down.
The SA Network objectives will be built on the recommendations and conclusions from the
past network and thematic meetings, Meetings of the Parties, and the Executive Committee
Meeting decisions. The Network will focus on the following issues:
Promoting dialogue and providing assistance related to monitoring, reporting, verification
and enforcement (MRVE) to sustain the Montreal Protocol targets already met and to meet
future targets.
Extending cooperation with the enforcement community at the international, regional and
national levels to combat illegal trade through awareness, joint activities and coordination.
Helping NOUs to understand and comply with the changing Article 7 and Country
Programme data reporting requirements, as well as the new Harmonized System (HS) custom
codes.
Prioritizing training and capacity building activities for the refrigeration servicing sector
(RSS) through ongoing HPMPs, CAP services, and specific training tools already developed
or under finalisation.
Supporting NOUs to address different technical challenges related to adopting and deploying
lower-global warming potential (GWP) alternatives including, but not limited to, updating
standards/codes, needs of high ambient temperature countries, safety considerations,
availability of alternatives for commercial/industrial refrigeration sector, and other technical
priorities of Article 5 countries.
Encouraging linkages between NOUs and Technical Vocational Education and Training
(TVET) authorities and increasing the ownership/involvement of national training institutions
to deliver training and adopt the curricula developed by UNEP, to further promote the
sustainability of the capacity building delivered with Multilateral Fund assistance.
Assisting countries with the incorporation of Kigali Amendment requirements into their
national legal and policy frameworks.
Building capacity of NOUs to understand and address new obligations under the Kigali
Amendment.

9. Is it possible for the UN to maintain a sustainable material footprints rate without affecting
national sovereignty? How?
10. Govt. and Non govt organizations roles.
https://www.epa.gov/international-cooperation/epas-role-united-nations-environment-
programme-unep
1. What is the general view of your country on Domestic Material Consumption Rate which
affects the ecosystem
WAY TO ACHIEVE SDG 12 IN PAKISTAN
When the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were introduced in 2000 by United
Nations, the 7th among the eight main points was purely related to ensuring environmental
sustainability. Since then there has been a lot of hullabaloo about ways to achieve a
sustainable environment. Following MDGs, there were Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) introduced in 2016 in a vow to transform the world into a better place having 17
main goals. Pakistan in this regard has unanimously approved SDGs in 2016 as the ‘National
Development Agenda’. Ironically, Pakistan has shown a grim performance in achieving
MDGs. Therefore, now for achieving SDGs, it is incumbent to set some realistic goals and
adapt some efficient strategies. SDGs encompass the ‘schemes to achieve a better and more
sustainable future for all. In this regard, the 9th goal of SDGs states that by the year 2030 all
the industries have to foster the process of using technology to achieve ‘sustainable
industrialisation’. The 11th goal focuses on making the cities sustainable as well as safe. The
12th goal of SDG is all about ensuring sustainable production and consumption patterns.
All of these goals can be achieved by adopting such methodologies in the industries that
could assist in maintaining a sustainable environment and this should not be done in a
separate process but as a part of the whole product lifecycle process. With the contemporary
maxim of “doing more and better with less” in the industrial sector, methodologies like Life
Cycle Assessment (LCA) have been the need of the hour. LCA is involved in the entire life
cycle of a product, so as a parallel process, it can certainly contribute to achieving not only
required industrial standards but also international standards.
Even though we can find plenty of articles and discussions on the suggestions to achieve
SDGs in Pakistan, we are still much far behind in applying them practically. There are two
major reasons for this unfortunate situation in Pakistan. Firstly, achieving SDGs is perceived
to be the responsibility of the government only, and secondly the available literature provides
little guidance on using various tools that may help in achieving these goals in a practical
way. To this end, life cycle assessment methodology is the answer, as it allows an effective
comparison of products, processes and technologies with the help of which the decision-
makers can easily decide about the one with the least impact on the environment. Conducting
LCA studies in Pakistan’s industrial sectors could help to actually target various SDGs that
are related to environment, production and consumption, employment creation and others.
Pakistan ranks 129 on the SDG index as per the latest studies. We need to be on track and set
some realistic strategies to achieve the 2030 agenda under SDGs for sustainable
development.
As LCA is there from the very first step of the lifespan of a product till the last, from raw
material extraction to the step of manufacturing following the disposal or recycling stage,
therefore it has a positive chronic impact by mitigating the environmental hazards attached
with product production. As defined and explained by the ISO, the major focus of LCA has
always been on the fact that how a product, process, technology or service is playing its role
in global warming, acidification, resource depletion and others. LCA uses tools like ‘Carbon
Footprint Measurement’, by assisting in assessing the possible impact of utilization of water
on the ecosystem and overall facilitates keeping a track of greenhouse gas emission.
Moreover, the notion of ‘handprints’ to reduce or prevent the negative impacts while creating
the positive impacts is another feather in the cap of LCA. By considering the aforementioned
and many such methods and tools LCA provides it becomes incumbent to instill LCA
methodology in the industries of Pakistan to categorically achieve SDGs goals effectively and
efficiently. LCA has been following all the international standards and is a holistic approach
in prominently reducing the environmental impacts of a product. Industries in Pakistan are in
a dire need of a good data-intensive model that can help in pursuing the environmental-
related goals in SDGs and LCA in this regard has all the key features of a good
environmental management tool.
Pakistan ranks 129 on the SDG index as per the latest studies. We need to be on track and set
some realistic strategies to achieve the 2030 agenda under SDGs for sustainable
development. Pakistan is the 5th most vulnerable state to climate change, it is high time to
practically adopt methodologies that would help control the variables that are provoking
climate change and environmental hazards. Pakistan should set new revolutionary
development agenda by keeping the stats of post-Covid setbacks in the industrial sectors. The
policymakers need to redefine the strategies associated with achieving SDGs, and an array of
thoughtful reforms is needed. There must be interaction among the various goals set under
SDGs for instance goal 13 related to climate change is connecting with the 11th and 12th goal
which is related to environmental sustainability. ‘Green Tax’ culture should be adopted by
both the public and private sector of Pakistan so that methodologies like LCA can easily be
implemented in all sectors of industries. The private sectors in this regard should not take the
taxes as a loss of competitiveness. This would rather help the manufacturers in Pakistan to
ensure environmental labeling of the consumer products. Environmental labeling may be
used as a marketing tool for increasing sale both in national and export market. Thus, the
industries in Pakistan must provide synergies among various activities to foster the process of
adapting LCA as an essential part of the life span of a product being manufactured. In
addition, performing and reporting more LCA studies would help develop life cycle
inventory databases that are currently not available in Pakistan. The availability of such
databases at national level for various industrial sectors can be used for various types of
analyses and policy decisions.
In Pakistan, various stakeholders, such as industries, academic researchers and public
institutions should play their active and coordinated role in making LCA an imperative part
of the entire process and target the SDGs in a measurable way. There should be an active
‘Regulatory and Industry led Policy’ to normalize LCA as part of our industries. With the
help of various institutions, like State Bank, Higher Education Commission, the Ministry of
Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Industries and Production, we may assist
industries and academic researchers for systematic and practical implementation of LCA in
industries. The academic institutions may provide the technical services, whereas the
government institution may offer the financial support. In this regard, the Pakistan Bureau of
Statistics should bring a ‘regime of mandatory reporting’ for the industries where all the stats
and data should be publically available on the life cycle environmental and sustainability
impacts of their products, processes and technologies. The urgency for environment
protection initiatives under SDGs requires adopting international standards such as LCA in
our industries at a fast pace. Moreover, the tree plantation drive at the government level is an
appreciable act, however this alone is not enough. The problem of environmental degradation
is multifaceted that requires to be confronted by everyone, especially by our industries in
order to manage it at the root cause level. In a nutshell, we can potentially control the
environmental impacts by adopting LCA in the industries of Pakistan which will eventually
contribute to achieving SDGs. There must be more practical examples of implementation of
LCA in various industries of Pakistan to have fruitful results. The government of Pakistan, all
the regulatory bodies, and the private sector should do a collective effort to bring forth LCA
as a mandatory part of industries for the better future of our coming generation else they
would not be able to meet their needs from the environment.
SDGS IN PAKISTAN
On 25th September, 2015, all UN member states gathered at Sustainable Development
Summit to adopt the agenda for 2030. The agenda included a set of 17 Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate
change by 2030.
These 17 points are a universal set of goals, targets and indicators that all UN member states
are expected to use to frame their development agendas, socio-economic policies, and actions
towards low carbon pathways for the next 15 years, in order to achieve a sustainable world
where ‘no one is left behind’ without compromising sustainability of the planet.
Within these SDGs one of the important point that defines that women and girls, everywhere,
must have equal rights and opportunity, and be able to live free of violence and
discrimination. Women’s equality and empowerment is one of the 17 Sustainable
Development Goals, but also integral to all dimensions of inclusive and sustainable
development. In short, all the SDGs depend on the achievement of Goal 5. Pakistan is also
one of the signatory and ranked on 122 on the SDG index of 157 nations compared to
Bangladesh’s 120 and India’s 116 position, according to July 2017 results.
Importantly, in Pakistan parliament has adopted the SDGs as a national development agenda
unlike the MDGs that were generally considered an UN-driven initiative only to be complied
with by four-yearly progress reports. These reports were prepared by consultants, without any
implementation mechanism in place to actually deliver. However, although MDGs were not
achieved throughout the world yet unfortunately in Pakistan, not a single goal of MGDs was
achieved due to the failure of the state policies.
More than 60 percent people claim to be marginalised due to poor electricity facilities. 82
percent people have no idea about sustainable development goals and other commitments
made by government at regional and global level
But in recent times, Pakistan has initiated special SDG units, which are established at the
Planning Commission and provinces. At the federal level, however, three separate SDG units
have been created — one at Prime Minister Office, another at parliament and at the Planning
Commission. However, in province Punjab the Government has already inculcated the SDG
agenda in the vision 2025 and Punjab growth strategy 2018. Furthermore, the establishment
of SDG unit is also a positive move and reflects the seriousness of government for the
delivery of SDGs at grass roots level. In other provinces too the SDGs have been established
but are still in budding stage as compared to Punjab. As a lesson learnt from the past
performance in implementation of MDGs, Pakistan government response has been very
preemptive this time with regard to the SDGs. For ensuring SDGs implementation many
organisations and alliances are working nationally and internationally and taking every stride
for its adequate implementation, however Pakistan Development Alliance PDA is leading this
campaign all across Pakistan and effectively working on the implementation of development
goals from 2014 and Home Net Pakistan is assisting them in Punjab chapter.
Importantly, PDA has carried out a quick mapping on the current status of SDGs
implementation in the Province Punjab that identifies the accomplishments and gaps to date.
According to the survey 70.4 percent women, 66.2 percent children and 62.4 percent
unemployed people have claimed to be more vulnerable to experience poverty, discrimination
and violence. Furthermore, age, employment type, low income, Gender based discrimination,
Level of education; ethnicity, mental wellbeing and sexual orientation are some of the major
factors impeding their marginalisation. More than 69 percent people do not have access to
basic income including job security and protection.
74 percent people feel that they are marginalised because of the poor water & sanitation
facilities. More than 60 percent people claim that they are marginalised because of poor
electricity facilities. 82 percent people have no idea about sustainable development goals and
other commitments made by government at regional and global level for their development &
empowerment. More than 65 percent people held Government responsible to deliver the
SDGs as per their commitment at United Nation. 85 percent people do not see that their say is
influential for policy making/ reforms. 78 percent people do not have any engagement
/involvement in local/ National level policy reforms and development.
Moreover, PDA have collaborated with universities for including SDGs in the curriculum of
higher education. They are regularly doing advocacy campaigns with 83 alliance members on
different SDG’s points especially by enhancing strength to engage young people, women,
elders, socially excluded groups meaningfully. The purpose is to open a multi-sectoral and
multi-stakeholder platform for discussions and exchange of ideas. The primary objectives
include identifying gaps in implementation, facilitating constructive dialogues, learning from
local, national and international models, exploring relationship of key development
contributors, devising new & improved strategies, building linkages and proposing a roadmap
for improvement of Human Development Index — in the province, and the country.
While talking with the Zia Ur Rehman National Convener PDA, he was on the view that, “the
basic purpose of this alliance is to engage all related stakeholders at Provincial levels. This
will help in developing a procedure to engage with provincial processes and coming up with
a concrete action plans. Such planning can help ensure that resources would be targeted
towards efforts that would make biggest impact.
Moreover he said, “PDA works in partnership with civil society organisations and private
sector across Pakistan. Leave No One Behind is a Nation-wide campaign to sensitise masses
as well as related stakeholders for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals
with a special focus to ensure the participation of marginalised communities. PDA is
initiating a national campaign the purpose is to engage media, SDG’s Task forces and
legislatures and to put out the demands for achieving SDGs with vision 2030.”
Moreover, talking with Ume-Laila Azhar a renowned women rights activist said that,
“Pakistan development indicators have to be aligned with the SDGs goals and it is a very
good start to see Government taking a proactive approach with adoption of SDGs, developing
indicators, setting up the SDGs units, SDGs committees, nomination focal persons in all
departments. And moreover, in Punjab, the annual development schemes for the year 2018-
19 preposition of Annex (03) has been made mandatory to link up the scheme with SDGs and
its specific indicator.
But she believes that all this would be in vein if there is no coordination among the
stakeholders and the interdepartmental synergetic planning with effective and transparent
monitoring. The CSO and specifically Pakistan development alliance is one initiative, which
aims to take all stakeholders and players on board. This time government of Pakistan
willingness to improve the standards of social indicators is clearly visible, but I am afraid that
if the political situation remains unstable with weak parliamentary hold, administrative
control and above all the priority of the new government after the general elections; then the
future of the SGDs and their implementation would be serious challenge. A lot needs to be
done even now. The parliamentarians, academia, media, executives are still not aware of the
SGDs plans. And do not have a collective approach in order to make it a nations ‘priority.
SGDs and its effective implementation should be the top most agenda of all the political
parties so that commitment comes from day one”.
I totally agree with the Pakistan Development Alliance- PDA stance that government should
make SDGs part and parcel of national curriculum so as our young people have detailed
information regarding global and regional commitments made by government at various
levels. Moreover, the government, civil society organisations and research institutions must
brainstorm and exchange ideas on the best form of action. I believe that the SDGs are perhaps
the best vehicle to lift more than 50 million people out of poverty when they earn less than
two dollars a day by enriching their lives and livelihood options. Delivering on these goals
will also help enhance Pakistan’s ability to emerge as one of the world’s leading economies
and, while doing so, strengthen national security.
Last but not the least, I want to request the government to appreciate the efforts and consider
civil society its development partner instead creating problems in the ways of its working.

The Challenge
Our planet is under massive strain. Should the global population push the figure of 9.6 billion
by 2050, we will need three Earths to sustain current lifestyles for everyone. Each year, an
estimated one-third of all food produced – equivalent to 1.3 billion tonnes worth around USD
1 trillion – ends up rotting in the bins of consumers and retailers, or spoiling due to poor
transportation and harvesting practices. More than one billion people still do not have access
to fresh water. Less than 3% of the world’s water is fresh (drinkable), of which 2.5% is
frozen in Antarctica, the Arctic and glaciers. Humanity must therefore rely on 0.5% for all
man’s ecosystem’s and fresh water needs. Despite technological advances that have promoted
energy efficiency gains, energy use in OECD countries will increase a further 35% by 2020.
Why is this important?
Sustainable consumption and production aims at “doing more and better with less,”
increasing net welfare gains from economic activities by reducing resource use, degradation,
and pollution, while increasing the quality of life. Sustainable development will be achieved
not only by growing our economies, but minimising waste in the process of doing so. Growth
that contaminates the environment sets development back.
How can we address this?
Sustainable consumption and production is about promoting resource and energy efficiency,
sustainable infrastructure, and providing access to basic services, green and decent jobs and a
better quality of life for all. Its implementation helps to achieve overall development plans,
reduce future economic, environmental and social costs, strengthen economic
competitiveness and reduce poverty. It also requires a systemic approach and co-operation
among actors operating in the supply chain, from producer to final consumer. It involves
engaging consumers through awareness-raising and education on sustainable consumption
and lifestyles, providing consumers with adequate information through standards and
labelling and engagement in sustainable public procurement. This will involve a new global
partnership between business, consumers, policy makers, researchers, scientists, retailers, the
media, and development co-operation agencies.
Worldwide consumption and production — a driving force of the global economy — rest on
the use of the natural environment and resources in a way that continues to have destructive
impacts on the planet.
Economic and social progress over the last century has been accompanied by environmental
degradation that is endangering the very systems on which our future development — indeed,
our very survival — depends.
A few facts and figures:
Each year, an estimated one third of all food produced – equivalent to 1.3 billion tonnes
worth around $1 trillion – ends up rotting in the bins of consumers and retailers, or spoiling
due to poor transportation and harvesting practices.
If people worldwide switched to energy efficient light bulbs the world would save US$120
billion annually.
Should the global population reach 9.6 billion by 2050, the equivalent of almost three planets
could be required to provide the natural resources needed to sustain current lifestyles.
The COVID-19 pandemic offers countries an opportunity to build recovery plans that will
reverse current trends and change our consumption and production patterns towards a more
sustainable future.
Sustainable consumption and production is about doing more and better with less. It is also
about decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation, increasing resource
efficiency and promoting sustainable lifestyles.
Sustainable consumption and production can also contribute substantially to poverty
alleviation and the transition towards low-carbon and green economies.
Targets
12.1 Implement the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and
production, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into
account the development and capabilities of developing countries
12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
12.3 By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce
food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses
12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes
throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and
significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse
impacts on human health and the environment
12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling
and reuse
12.6 Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt
sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle
12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national
policies and priorities
12.8 By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness
for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
12.A Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to
move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production
12.B Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for
sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
12.C Rationalize inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption by
removing market distortions, in accordance with national circumstances, including by
restructuring taxation and phasing out those harmful subsidies, where they exist, to reflect
their environmental impacts, taking fully into account the specific needs and conditions of
developing countries and minimizing the possible adverse impacts on their development in a
manner that protects the poor and the affected communities.
European Commission and UN Cooperation on the Environment
The European Commission and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) entered
into a more structured cooperation in 2004 with the signature of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU). This MoU is implemented through an annual Policy Dialogue in the
form of a High Level Meeting. The Policy Dialogue is underpinned by technical and financial
cooperation. The MoU was revised in June 2014 and a substantive Annex was signed in April
2015, spelling out a range of concrete work areas to be implemented jointly through to 2020.
On 26 February 2021, the EC and UNEP signed a new Annex for the cooperation period
2021-2025, including a stronger focus on the promotion of circular economy, the protection
of biodiversity and the fight against pollution. The new Annex was previously adopted
by Commission Decision C(2021) 506 of 4 February 2021.
In terms of financial cooperation, the EU is UNEP's main supporter for voluntary
contributions to its work programme, mainly from the EU's research & innovation and from
development cooperation programmes. This includes support for actions at global and
regional level in areas of common interest such as: transforming environmental governance,
resource efficiency and green economy, sound management of chemicals and wastes,
ecosystems services and natural capital, as well as the science-policy interface. Strategic
cooperation agreements were signed between UNEP and the Commission in 2011 and 2014
for over €75 million to support the work of UNEP and UNEP-administered Multilateral
Environmental Agreements (e.g. biodiversity, chemicals, and waste conventions). This
cooperation is part of the EU's thematic programme for environment and natural resources
(2011-2013) and the global public goods and challenges (2014-2017) of the development
cooperation instrument.
The Evaluation Office of UN Environment commissioned in 2015 an evaluation study of the
Strategic Cooperation Agreements (SCAs) between the European Commission and UNEP to
answer the question whether the SCA approach provides an effective way of conducting EC-
UNEP programmatic cooperation. The SCAs fall under the Thematic Programme for
Environment and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources, including Energy (ENRTP)
of the European Union Development Cooperation Instrument.
4. Links on the general relations between the EU and the UN
The European Union Delegation to the United Nations hosts a website which contains a well
of information and EU statements and speeches of global relevance on the environment and
sustainable development.
The European External Action Service (EEAS) has created a webpage on the EU relations
with the UN with useful links and publications.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF UNEP, COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT REMAIN DISTINCT, SECOND COMMITTEE TOLD (taken from
a UN conference of UNEP)
The Commission on Sustainable Development should serve as a high-level forum to ensure
understanding of the concept of sustainable development, while the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) retained responsibility for environmental policy
development, the representative of the United States told the Second Committee (Economic
and Financial) this afternoon.
Speaking as the Committee continued its debate on environment and sustainable development
issues, he said the Commission, which was established by the General Assembly to monitor
implementation of Agenda 21 of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development, should take the lead in reviewing integrated implementation of the results of
recent United Nations conferences on sustainable development. In addition, it should take a
fresh look at issues pertaining to finance and technology.
The representative of New Zealand said that the 1997 special General Assembly session to
review Agenda 21 should identify issues that needed urgent action and focus on improving
institutions and their effectiveness.
The representative of Guyana, speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community
(CARICOM), said while no attempts must be made to renegotiate Agenda 21, the compact it
represented should be fully reaffirmed. The review of the Agenda should be comprehensive
and encompass assessment of progress made and obstacles encountered, he said.
The representative of Indonesia concurred that the special session should not reopen
negotiations on Agenda 21. However, it must focus on unfulfilled commitments by developed
countries on providing adequate financial resources and environmentally sound technologies
to developing countries. The Global Environment Facility (GEF), which had been expected to
be a principal mechanism to finance efforts to protect the environment, had also fallen short
of expectations, she said.
Statements were also made by the representatives of Kenya, Ghana, Kazakstan, Brazil (on
behalf of the MERCOSUR group of countries -- Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay,
Uruguay) and Colombia. Observers from the Holy See and Switzerland also spoke. In
addition, the Committee heard statements from representatives of the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), UNEP and the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO). The Director of the Division for Sustainable Development
responded to issues raised by the representatives.

Solutions
Climate change and managing water crisis: Pakistan's perspective
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24695031/
Climate change is a global phenomenon manifested mainly through global warming. The
International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has reported its negative consequences on
natural resources, anthropogenic activities, and natural disasters.
 The El Nino and La Nina have affected hydrologic regimes and ecosystems. It has
been observed that the average temperature in 1995 was 0.4°C higher than that in
1895. By the end of the 21st century, 10% of the area of Bangladesh is likely to be
submerged by the sea.
 Most of the islands of Pacific Ocean will disappear. A major part of Maldives will be
submerged. The sea level is expected to rise by 30-150 cm. Extreme events such as
floods, cyclones, tsunamis, and droughts have become regular phenomena in many
parts of the world. Other adverse impacts are proliferation of water-borne diseases,
sea water intrusion, salinization of coastal areas, loss of biodiversity, eco-degradation
of watersheds and global glacial decline, and haphazard snow melts/thaws. In turn,
these factors have serious effect on water resources.
 Pakistan is confronting similar climate change. Meteorological data reveal that winter
temperatures are rising and summers are getting cooler. Temperature is expected to
increase by 0.9°C and 1.5°C by years 2020 and 2050, respectively.
 Water resources in Pakistan are affected by climate change as it impacts the behavior
of glaciers, rainfall patterns, greenhouse gas emissions, recurrence of extreme events
such as floods and droughts. Severe floods have occurred in the years 1950, 1956,
1957, 1973, 1976, 1978, 1988, 1992, 2010, 2011, and 2012. Pakistan has faced the
worst-ever droughts during the period from 1998 to 2004.
 Pakistan has surface water potential of 140 million acre feet (MAF) and underground
water reserve of 56 MAF. It is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world.
The per capita annual availability of water has reduced from 5140 m3 in 1950 to 1000
m3 now. It is fast approaching towards water scarcity.
 To minimize adverse impacts of climate change on the water crisis in Pakistan, the
preparation of integrated national, provincial, and local level master plans
encompassing technical, social, environmental, administrative, and financial
considerations is necessary.
 It is imperative to implement two simultaneous approaches of adaptation (living with
climate change) and mitigation (addressing negativities of climate change).
 Salient features are integrated management of watersheds/catchments/water bodies,
optimum exploitation of present sources, development of new sources, water
conservation, adequate drainage, efficient design of water storage, conveyance,
distribution and supply systems, utilization of waste water, and regulation of water
quality.
Positivity
The environmental problems in Pakistan are exacerbated by its large population, it is the fifth
most populous country in the world, which puts increasing strain on the environment.
Additionally, according to the World Bank over 24 per cent of Pakistan’s population lives in
poverty, which puts them at greater risk to impacts of climate change. This is largely because
they have a higher dependency on natural resources and are less able to cope with climatic
variability.
UNEP’s Inclusive Wealth Report for Pakistan, a first-of-its-kind accounting of the country’s
natural, human and produced capital, found that between 1990 and 2014 Pakistan suffered a
decline in natural capital, a trend which is now being reversed.
“It is worrying that we’ve seen declines in natural capital, including in Pakistan,” said
Tsering. “But it is promising to see the steps that the country’s government is taking to turn
things around, particularly with its restoration projects.”
The Ten Billion Tree Tsunami is not only helping restore ailing ecosystems and improve
natural capital; it is also supporting livelihoods. The project is expected to create jobs for
almost 85,000 daily wagers. In addition, Pakistan’s protected areas initiative will create
almost 7000 long term jobs. 
 
The United Nations General Assembly has declared the years 2021 through 2030 the UN
Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme and
the Food and Agriculture Organization, the UN Decade is designed to prevent, halt and
reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide. The UN Decade will draw together
political support, scientific research and finance to massively scale up restoration with the
goal of reviving millions of hectares of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Abstract
For the first time in 4000 million years of life on Earth a single species, Homo sapiens is
causing progressive ecological disturbances. These changes are the outcome of the human
aptitude for culture, especially as this aptitude has recently found expression in the Western
World. They are associated with the fact that humans are using about 12 000 times as much
energy, mainly in the form of fossil fuels, as they were 400 generations ago when farming
was first introduced. Nearly 80% of this energy use and technological waste production is
taking place in the industrialized nations, which make up around 25% of the total human
population. If the biosphere is to survive as a system capable of supporting humankind,
humans must apply their aptitude for culture to working out new societal arrangements which
are sensitive to the health needs both of the ecosystems of the biosphere and of human
populations.
Ecosystems
Biodiversity is the range of different species present in the community of an ecosystem. The
biodiversity of ecosystems can be affected by population growth, human activities and
natural hazards.
Impact of the increasing human population
Like all living organisms, humans exploit their surroundings for resources. Before the
beginning of agriculture about 10,000 years ago, small groups of humans wandered across
large areas, hunting and gathering just enough food to stay alive. Population numbers were
kept low because of the difficulty of finding food.
The development of agriculture led to a population explosion that has accelerated enormously
during the past 500 years. Unlike other species, humans can adapt to and survive in almost all
terrestrial environments on the planet.
2. what your country is doing to support the SDG goal 12
Who is a Stakeholder or What is a stakeholder?
Anyone or everyone who is affected by the actions of a business or an organization is a
stakeholder for the organization. Stakeholders are people without whom the organization
might never exist.
Let’s see the types of stakeholders and how does the company benefit them
Government
The company helps a location in its growth; this, in turn, helps the government a sit pay taxes
to the government, pays VAT, follow legislation, creates employment opportunities, reports
truthfully to the state government, etc.
Employees
The company employees earn their bread and butter from the company, the company rates
their wages or salaries, gives them job security, and compensates for their jobs and loyalties;
all this gives the employees respect and a fair communication opportunity.
Customers
The customers of the company earn value for their money when they buy the organizations
goods and services; they spend for the quality of the products they want; the company also
gives them good service and ethical products. So yes, even customers are a part of the
stakeholders of the company.
Environmental Protection
Business is also responsible for protecting and improving the world’s fragile environment.
The world’s forests are being destroyed fast. Every second, an area the size of a football field
is laid bare. Plant and animal species are becoming extinct at the rate of 17 per hour. A
continent-size hole is opening up in the earth’s protective ozone shield. Each year we throw
out 80 percent more refuse than we did in 1960; as a result, more than half of the nation’s
landfills are filled to capacity.
To slow the erosion of the world’s natural resources, many companies have become more
environmentally responsible. For example, Toyota now uses renewable energy sources such
as solar, wind, geothermal, and water power for electricity to run its facilities. When its new
$1 billion North American headquarters opened in Plano, Texas, in May 2017, Toyota said
the 2.1 million square-foot campus would eventually be powered by 100% clean energy,
helping the auto giant move closer to its goal of eliminating carbon emissions in all of its
operations.
A stakeholder is an individual or organization tasked with the responsibility
to ship, transport, fulfill, or even consume freight and who is motivated to utilize physical
infrastructure and personal and professional relationships to realize the objectives of their
freight-related activity.
Consumers consist of stakeholders that create demand for freight within a city.
Infrastructure Managers are stakeholders concerned with the maintenance of physical
infrastructure and public assets utilized by consumers and distributors who transport goods.
Planners and Regulators consist of stakeholders involved with developing regulations and
seek to maximize mobility in response to planning concerns and transport externalities.
Distributors are stakeholders responsible for the physical movement of freight and utilize
urban space and infrastructure to transport goods.
The WAPRO project was first implemented between 2015 and 2018 in four countries in Asia
by a consortium of nine partners with a budget of about CHF 6.76 million, and involving
23,600 farmers.
By 2019, the project has grown to 16 countries of Asia and Africa, 22 partners, and a budget
of about CHF 16 million, aspiring to improve the lives of 60,000 farmers.
Diverse stakeholders – from farmers and local NGOs to corporations and governments – take
joint responsibility for the precious resource from which we all benefit.
Extended version of the video
WAPRO project offers a holistic push-pull-policy approach that encourages water
stewardship – collective action towards the sustainable use of water.
PUSH
PROBLEM: Lack of Knowledge
Farmers are the main consumers of global water reserves. They are also among the poorest
citizens of the world. Poverty prevents them from accessing water-saving knowledge and
technology to supplement their know-how.
SOLUTION: Learning
Farmers master water saving methods. For example, by switching to shorter furrows, which
allow for more even water distribution, farmers in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan save 30-40% of
water.
We also promote diversified crops that use water and other resources more efficiently than
monoculture crops. For example, lentils planted into a rice field are first irrigated by the same
water that’s used as the last irrigation flow for rice.
We share the results with the national agriculture and water sector actors to encourage the
replication of the technology that proved successful.
PULL
PROBLEM: Lack of Incentives
Even among farmers who are aware of water saving methods, only a fraction ends up
adopting them. They are reluctant to make significant investments of time and money for an
environmental benefit only.
SOLUTION: Financial Benefits
By promoting methods that not only save water but also increase production, we ensure that
farmers have a financial incentive to save water. For example, the system of rice
intensification allowed an increase in crop productivity in our project in India of 70%
compared to traditional methods.
Private-sector actors create additional incentive mechanisms for farmers either by offering
premium prices, prepayment of the crop, access to microcredits, secure access to enhanced
markets or integration into agricultural extension programs (for example, showing how to
save money by using fewer pesticides).
POLICY
PROBLEM: Lack of Governance
There are problems – such as water distribution and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure –
that go beyond the reach of an individual farmer or company and require joint large-scale
solutions.
SOLUTION: Policy Dialogue Based on Evidence
Rather than waiting for top-down policy changes, farmers and other villagers jointly
agree on a reasonable way to share water resources and create plans to improve the
local water situation.
Farmers work with the local authorities to adapt the regulatory frameworks, for
example regarding water distribution rights or water payment schemes. These changes on the
local level help advance national agriculture, commodity and irrigation reforms.

MICRO LEVEL: The project supports farmers in improving water productivity in the field.
MESO LEVEL: Project learnings help improve national policies and corporate social
responsibility strategies. MACRO LEVEL: The project shares knowledge and influences
policies internationally to ensure global water and food security in a changing climate.
What is the role of standards in the project? ( less import)
Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP), Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) and Better Cotton
Initiative (BCI) are project steering partners. They provide guidance to farmers on sustainable
production and water stewardship. On the other hand, WAPRO’s experience and evidence
help the standard revision processes. For example, the project plays an important role in
rolling out the new Water Stewardship Principle of the BCI standards globally, and its
experience in implementing water stewardship at the farmer level is fed into the technical
committee of AWS.
https://www.helvetas.org/en/pakistan/what-we-do/how-we-work/our-projects/global-water-
productivity-WAPRO
https://www.globalceoalliance.org/sustainable-development-goals/
6. What are your country’s thoughts on the correlation of technology and ecosystem?
Design Principles for a Student-Centered Higher Education Ecosytem
Students in postsecondary education need an ecosystem that is flexible, integrated, efficient
and affordable. The following 10 principles can guide stakeholders envisioning and creating
an expanded ecosystem:
1 Guide students toward education that enables them to achieve their goals, is suitable to their
needs, and aligns with their interests.
2 Helps students make wise financial decisions about postsecondary education, including
through transparent information about outcomes and return on investment.
3 Prepare students for postsecondary-level work by redesigning diagnostic tools and
providing adaptive, targeted learning solutions.
4 Allow students to adjust the timing and format of education to fit other priorities in their
lives.
5 Provide students with affordable access to the high-quality resources they need to be
successful and to empower them to become curators of their own learning.
6 Enable advisors to help students progress through times of transition and changing needs,
leveraging technology such as data dashboards and texting where appropriate.
7 Collect and use real-time learning data to provide targeted assistance to students.
8 Allow students to build meaningful education pathways incrementally that allow them to
move fluidly in-and-out of and between institutions to accommodate their learning and life
goals.
9 Allow students to document their learning in portable ways that can be applied to further
education or meaningful work.
10 Create a network of learning that supports students as creators and entrepreneurs, and
agents of their own learning over their lifetimes. “It is impossible to redesign students to fit
into a system, but we can re-design a system for students.