SDC 2025 Development Conference Stresses Need for Harmonization of Sustainable Investment

By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi/ Islamabad: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank Group, the National Bank of Pakistan, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) have stressed the need for inclusive development in Pakistan. The high-level plenary of the 28th Sustainable Development Conference (SDC 2025), themed “Sustainable Development in the Emerging World: Dis|Order”, highlighted the importance of harmonizing investment with climate resilience, inclusive growth, and financing for sustainable development.

At the conference, which runs from November 4 to 7 in Islamabad, Jason Evansenia, Chief Executive Officer of National Pakistan, said, “Financing sustainable development requires innovative approaches that blend public, private, and multilateral resources. The challenge is to ensure equitable access to capital, while linking investment to climate resilience and inclusive growth.” He noted National’s recognition at the conference’s Sustainability Awards for its advocacy for renewable energy and a low-carbon transition, which aligns with the United Nations’ SDGs 13 and 15.

Evansenia added, “National is leading the sustainability agenda and finding solutions to climate change and a more sustainable future, through investments in renewable energy, circularity for a waste-free future, and regenerative agriculture to protect, renew, and restore the environment.” He announced the company’s commitment to reduce costs and reach net zero by 2050.

“The potential for collective action increases when all stakeholders play their part – with the government being the primary driver,” said UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Samuel Risk. Pakistan needs US$50-60 billion to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and innovative financing must be jointly designed, pre-arranged, risk-managed, and blended to effectively mobilize resources.”

“The IMF recognizes climate-related shocks as economically significant challenges that directly affect economic activity and growth. This recognition has paved the way for climate-related reforms, supported by the IMF’s Resilience Sustainability Facility, which aims to build resilience to climate shocks, and Pakistan will integrate climate resilience into major projects,” said Dr. Maher Benicci, Resident Representative of the International Monetary Fund.

World Bank Group Country Director Bolorma Amgabazar, speaking on resilience to economic shocks, said the ten-year Country Partnership Framework emphasizes human development. “Our engagement is centered on human development areas such as stunting, which has lifelong impacts, requiring interventions in areas such as clean water, sanitation, behavior change, nutrition, and food security – one of the three pillars of focus under our CPF.”

The plenary, chaired by Dr. Abid Saliri, Executive Director of SDPI, called for accelerating collective action with public and private stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure food systems feed people for generations.

National Pakistan received multiple awards at the 28th SDC and Sustainability Investment Expo, including the Best Stall Award for its sustainability efforts and advocacy for renewable energy and low-carbon transitions. National’s investment in Pakistan reflects its deep confidence in the country’s potential. The company is committed to being a force for good for the country’s future across its value chain by increasing investments in renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable efforts in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.