The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Pakistan today signed the FAO Country Programming Framework (CPF) setting out the development priorities for collaboration with Pakistan. This CPF will cover the period 2018-2022 aligned with the priorities of the government and the UN planning cycle OPIII.
It comes as a result of extensive consultations at the federal level with Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R), Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform (MPD&R), Natural Disaster Management Authority Pakistan (NDMA), Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC) and on provincial and regional levels with departments of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Irrigation, Food, provincial disaster management authorities. It is supported by extensive review of new policies and regulatory frameworks developed in the period, and published materials related to the agricultural sector of Pakistan.
Ms Mina` Dowlatchahi FAO Representative in Pakistan and Mr. Sahibzada Mahboob Sultan , Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research signed the CPF.
Acknowledging the longstanding partnership with FAO, the Federal Minister speaking on the occasion said: “We look forward to continuing and close partnership with FAO to achieve Zero Hunger and food security, and support sustainable agriculture development in Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan, as ever extends its support to the work of FAO Pakistan in successful implementation of its Country Programming Framework 2018-2022.”
At the signing ceremony, FAO Representative in Pakistan Ms. Mina` Dowlatchahi said “This CPF provides an important opportunity for a stronger partnership between FAO and the Government of Pakistan, and other key stakeholders. This will help us all in the achievement of strategic and measurable results and ensure sustainable agriculture development, improved food security and livelihoods for men, women and youth associated with the sector while remaining in line with key development priorities of Pakistan.”
Based on the findings and recommendations of the Country Programme Evaluation, the CPF in line with development priorities outlined in Vision 2025, will directly contribute to the attainment of Pakistan’s sustainable agriculture and food security related priorities through the implementation of targeted technical assistance in three thematic areas:
• Zero Hunger: Healthy, Safe and Nutritious Food for All
• Climate Smart Resilient Agriculture and Sustainable Ecosystems including Forests, Fisheries, Livestock, Rangeland and Water Management
• Inclusive and Efficient Agriculture and Food Systems
The implementation of this CPF will contribute to achievement of SDG 1: No Poverty; SDG 2: End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition and Promote Sustainable Agriculture; SDG 5: Gender Equality; SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13: Climate Action; SDG 14: Life below Water; SDG 15: Life on Land; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.