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ECOSF Participated in Partnerships as Game Changer for a Sustainable Recovery from COVID-19

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The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) organized the 2021 ECOSOC Partnership Forum on May 03, 2021 to discuss the role of partnerships in driving sustainable development under the theme of “Partnerships as Game Changer for a Sustainable Recovery from COVID-19”.

Partnership Forum of examined the critical role of multi-stakeholder partnerships in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) following the outbreak of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

With only ten years left to achieve the SDGs, the 2021 ECOSOC Partnership Forum provided policy space for the Member States, non-state stakeholders, and the UN development system to focus on key cross-cutting and interlinked issues that are central to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The Forum aimed at showcasing a number of successful partnerships that are accelerating the achievement of the SDGs.

A large number of representatives of the Member States, UN system entities, relevant inter-governmental organizations, multilateral development banks, NGOs, private sector participated in the event. On behalf of ECOSF, President Prof. Manzoor Hussain Soomro participated in the webinar.

Ambassador Munir Akram the Permanent Representative of Pakistan as President of UN ECOSOC presented his opening remarks to the virtual event and highlighted the UN’s unique role in bringing together countries, enterprises, and civil society.  He outlined several areas where partnerships can be used to respond to COVID-19 and achieve SDGs. Mr. Akram said defeating the pandemic is the top priority, which calls for universal and equitable access to vaccines and related materials, equipment, and technologies. Countries also must work together to prevent millions from descending into extreme poverty and destitution.

The ECOSOC President said global partnerships must help to promote financing solutions such as debt restructuring, low-interest loans, and greater foreign investment.  The creation of $650 billion in new special drawing rights (SDRs), a type of foreign reserve asset developed by the International Monetary Fund, is another important component. 

The overall costs of the pandemic have been profound, Jens Wandel, Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General on Reforms, remarked during the Forum. He added that roughly $100 trillion in investment in sustainable infrastructure will be needed over the next three decades to bring about a resilient and environmentally friendly global economy.  He reported on the UN COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund, established to help countries cope with the staggering social and economic impacts of the crisis.

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