ObjectivesFund scope
Humanitarian and development assistance has increased in volume, cost, and duration over the last decade in Pakistan thanks to several ongoing crises and a lack of action in areas/on issues where vulnerability is highest. Unfortunately, these challenges have been overshadowed by newer ones that include environmental degradation, migration and displacement, economic stagnation, and food insecurity. Despite the trends, achieving the SDGs and 2030 Agenda is possible if collective efforts continue to sustain progress and spread the outcomes so everyone can reap the benefits in an equitable manner.
Improved collaboration, coordination, and coherence among humanitarian and development stakeholders has resulted in the emergence of new approaches that help guide efforts and action at the crossroads of the peace, humanitarian, and development nexus.
Strategic approach and theory of change
The UNSDF Fund for Pakistan invests in programmes that accelerate the SDGs and offer solutions that generate transformative change across the country. Working together, the government, United Nations, private sector, and civil society organizations reduce fragmentation and transaction costs, scale-up promising pilots, nurture favourable partnerships, and are incentivized to pursue collective priorities that meet SDG commitments. Focusing on under- and unfunded aspects of the national framework and One UN Programme is one way the UNSDF Fund secures additional resources and supports collaborative planning and coordination process. By channeling consistent and predictable joint funds towards the highest priority needs partners create new frames of reference for all humanitarian and development actors. The move carves out space for partners to contribute to a common vision that supports the furthest behind first. It is one way of building programmes that aid in putting inclusivity and vulnerability at the top of the national agenda.
Along with projects that address the cross-cutting areas of youth/adolescents, volunteerism, migration, urbanization, data, culture, and population trends, the UNSDF Fund invests in ten outcome areas:
- Economic growth
- Decent work
- Health and WASH
- Nutrition
- Food security and sustainable agriculture
- Resilience
- Education and learning
- Gender, equality, and dignity
- Governance
- Social protection
The current phase of the One UN Programme supports Pakistan’s potential for inclusive socio-economic development while addressing gaps and developing new tools and processes for social justice. If efforts in priority development areas with strategic potential continue projections suggest the country will be well on the path to SDG achievement by 2022.