UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations General Assembly today adopted by consensus a resolution entitled “Solidarity with and support for the Government and people of Pakistan, and strengthening of emergency relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction and prevention in the wake of the recent devastating floods”.
The resolution was proposed by Pakistan and cosponsored by 151 countries – over two-thirds of UN membership – from all regions, to demonstrate solidarity with millions of people in Pakistan affected by the recent devastating floods.
While introducing the resolution, Permanent Representative, Ambassador Munir Akram highlighted that Pakistan was one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, even though our carbon emissions were less than 1% of global emissions. He described the tremendous toll of lives and damage to infrastructure, saying that the entire Pakistani nation and the government had responded heroically to this unprecedented calamity.
He also expressed Pakistan’s gratitude to all those who had provided assistance and referred to the upscaled Flash Appeal, the PDNA, and the preparation of a Plan for Reconstruction with resilience. He asked for continuous support to Pakistan on grounds of solidarity and climate justice.
The President of the General Assembly expressed solidarity with the people of Pakistan and reminded that “climate catastrophe” is still unfolding in Pakistan, which he called an “epic tragedy.”
The UN Secretary-General addressed the Assembly. He recalled his recent visit to Pakistan and graphically described the disaster, and courage of the Pakistani people.
He said: “Massive needs require massive support.” Citing “climate injustice”, the Secretary-General said that Pakistan is paying a “supersized price” for a climate emergency it did relatively little to create.
Member States in their statements in support of the resolution expressed solidarity with the Government and people of Pakistan, mentioned their contributions to Pakistan’s relief and recovery efforts, and committed to continue their support in rehabilitation and reconstruction.
The resolution adopted by the Assembly welcomed the assistance and contributions of the international community in the relief and rehabilitation efforts. It urged full support and assistance by the international community to the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of the floods and to meet the medium-and long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction needs.
It asked the Secretary-General to help in the preparation and implementation of a Plan for rehabilitation and reconstruction with resilience which is to be considered at a Pledging Conference to generate assistance and commitments from the international community.
