Through nation-wide and country-owned collaborative efforts, Pakistan is picking up the pace towards

achieving the 2030 Agenda. I am pleased to share these positive and enabling developments in
Pakistan’s first Voluntary National Review. Nevertheless, several challenges remain – the task of
planning and implementing the 2030 Agenda for Pakistan’s rapidly growing population must necessarily
incorporate diverse local contexts, build local capacities and strengthen institutions. The gigantic
challenge of climate change alone requires intensive community mobilization efforts. Addressing these
challenges means that we must take cue from the SDG wheel, which reminds us that development does
not occur in silos – rather it is a sustained and integrated process dependent on creating synergies. A
cornerstone of implementing the SDG goals is building on existing alliances and forging new
partnerships, leveraging technology and mobilizing innovative sources of finance. Hence, partnerships
with a broad array of stakeholders including the private sector and the civil society, supported by
international community, will continue to guide this process. We are undertaking deep structural
reforms to place Pakistan on the path towards sustainable development, whereby the most vulnerable
segments of society are protected, and development is inclusive. The Government is fully committed to
harness the potential of our youth, leveraging the opportunities through innovative financing, making
use of technologies, partnerships and cross-sectoral innovations to ensure that we deliver on our
commitments and create a solid foundation that enables sustainable national development, regional
growth and global prosperit