The government has put forward a proposal to establish a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Support Unit with a budget allocation of Rs437.3 million from the national treasury, notably without any financial backing from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This move comes amid questions about the performance of the original SDGs Support Unit, which was created in 2016 with an initial allocation of Rs1 billion over five years.
Initially, the federal government was expected to contribute Rs500 million, while the UNDP would provide an equal amount under a cost-sharing arrangement. However, during that period, the government contributed Rs430 million, whereas the entire UN system managed to provide only Rs221 million. This resulted in the federal government covering 66.2% of the costs, with the UNDP contributing 33.8%.
There was ongoing friction between the Planning Commission and the UNDP, as the latter did not consult the Planning Commission regarding expenditure decisions. Sartaj Aziz, the former deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, had raised several concerns about these flawed arrangements, which are documented in official files. Consequently, the Planning Commission decided to finance the SDGs Support Unit independently and approved its own unit in 2022, initiating recruitment efforts.
However, the change in government and the devastating floods of 2022 caused this programme to stall. Pakistan had been unique globally in delegating SDG administration to the UNDP in 2016, but this decision was reversed in 2026. In a significant development, the planning minister has now decided to return management responsibilities to the UNDP.
The planning ministry is seeking approval for a concept paper proposing a project estimated to cost Rs437.256 million, notably without any financial contribution from the UNDP. Once approved, concerns have been raised that the project may lack adequate oversight, potentially leading to funds being used for staff perks, travel allowances, and other expenses unrelated to achieving SDG targets.
The concept paper outlines that the SDGs section will function as a Secretariat and serve as the international focal point for SDGs. Efforts for SDG implementation include enhancing institutional frameworks for better coordination, improving data collection and reporting, conducting advocacy and awareness campaigns, establishing oversight committees, building capacity, and engaging stakeholders.
There has been progress in data collection and indicator reporting, supported by policy input from think tanks and academic institutions through the creation of an SDGs research and resource centre. Additionally, a dashboard will be developed to consolidate research objectives, link them with specific SDG targets, and highlight action points derived from findings.
The SDGs Support and Research Lab project aims to integrate government initiatives to reduce poverty and inequality while accelerating economic growth and development. It will emphasize human development and environmental protection within economic strategies. The project is expected to facilitate evidence-based policymaking, thereby speeding up SDG implementation in Pakistan with pragmatic policies.
Moreover, the project will serve as a knowledge hub, offering best practices, historical data, and relevant information to enhance national SDG performance. It will build on previous efforts and formulate a practical action plan for the next eight years, including exploring additional SDG indicators from administrative data by strengthening information collection from various departments.
