ISLAMABAD: Press Release (Aiwan-e-Sadr-Media Wing) — Acting President of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, has underlined the need for global unity and collaboration to address shared challenges including terrorism, humanitarian crises, climate resilience, and transnational crimes.
Addressing the inaugural dinner of the 28th Annual Sustainable Development Conference (SDC) organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), the Acting President welcomed international delegates and emphasized that in an era of growing uncertainty, “we have chosen the path of unity over division.”
He said the conference theme, “Sustainable Development in the Emerging World Dis/order,” aptly reflects current global realities, stressing that widening economic disparities and the digital divide risk marginalizing vulnerable communities. Despite contributing little to global emissions, Pakistan remains one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, he noted.
“We have learned that sustainability is not a luxury — it is a necessity for survival,” Gilani remarked.
The Acting President urged stronger cooperation among countries of the Global South in knowledge-sharing, technology access, and regional strategy development. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and said Parliament is aligning national legislation and development priorities accordingly.
He further announced that Pakistan will host a two-day Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) later this month, centered on peace, security, and development.
Drawing on his diplomatic experience, Gilani highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in complementing traditional state diplomacy, saying it strengthens democratic voices and builds sustainable global consensus.
He stressed that the SDPI forum plays a crucial role in tackling shared challenges — sending a clear message that sustainable development is both a moral and political obligation to future generations.
Concluding his address, the Acting President thanked international and national participants and commended SDPI’s efforts for successfully organizing the conference. “Together, we will transform the prevailing global disorder into a world that is equitable, prosperous, just, and sustainable,” he affirmed.
