IPU participants agree to set up body for developing parliamentary mechanism to achieve SDGs.

ISLAMABAD -- The participants of Third Inter Parliamentary Union Regional Seminar for the Asia-Pacific Region Parliaments on Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals have agreed to establish a parliamentary body to develop a parliamentary mechanism for achieving the SDGs.

The outcome document was presented by Convener of the Parliamentary Task Force on SDGs Romina Khurshid Alam at the concluding session of the two-day regional seminar.

According to the document, the participants appreciated the strong commitment shown by the National Assembly of Pakistan in hosting of the event despite of the devastating floods in the country.

It was unanimously agreed upon that an emergency resolution to be presented in the forthcoming IPU conference in Rwanda to highlight the sufferings and hardships faced by the people of Pakistan due to the unprecedented flood.

'We greatly appreciate the strong commitment shown by the National Assembly of Pakistan in hosting this event despite the unprecedented challenges that the country is currently experiencing. The devastating floods that are hitting the country have left more than 1,100 dead and 1,600 injured,' the document said.

Floods had destroyed crops, infrastructure and buildings, and left millions homeless. The members expressed the deepest solidarity and sympathy to the parliament and the people of Pakistan, with the hope that the country would be able to recover soon.

The participants said, 'We also hope that, thanks to the sharing of knowledge and experience at this important event, together we will be able to identify effective solutions to fight climate change and implement the SDGs.

"Big carbon polluters should take more responsibility for climate change, meet their obligations and do their utmost to reduce carbon emissions, as many poor countries are disproportionally shouldering the burden of climate-related impacts. In this regard, we propose to include the flood crisis Pakistan is currently experiencing as a potential emergency item in the upcoming 145th IPU Assembly taking place in October 2022 in Rwanda.'

Following is the text of the agreed document:

"There is an urgent need to accelerate progress and address existing problems by adopting coherent strategies. Parliaments can drive significant change toward sustainable development. They can translate the SDGs into enforceable laws; they can monitor the implementation of these laws; they can ensure that government is accountable to the people for national progress on the SDGs; they can make sure that the needs of all of society, especially underrepresented, marginalized and/or vulnerable groups, are duly taken into consideration and addressed.

The seminar provided parliamentarians and parliamentary staff with the opportunity to take stock of what has been done so far and reflect on concrete ways in which they can help to solve structural challenges and boost inclusive and sustainable development for all.

Participants benefited from the rich contribution of parliamentarians, government representatives, United Nations experts and the IPU. They proactively engaged in the event and drew up various strategies, actions and recommendations to advance parliamentary engagement with the SDGs in the Asia-Pacific region.

Participants were informed that, at the current pace, the region is not on track to achieve any of the SDGs. Major gaps can be seen in areas related to SDG 5 on gender equality, SDG 14 on life below water and SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.

Participants agreed that there is a need to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation and coordination, and they asked the IPU to promote further exchanges among parliaments to combine forces to accelerate action towards achieving the SDGs.

Below is a summary of the key points and recommendations discussed during the event:

Envisioning inclusive development: Socio-economic challenges in Asia, the Seminar's first session provided an overview of the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region. The presentations focused on how COVID-19 recovery can enhance economic resilience, adopt an inclusive approach, and ensure...