ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari will outline his country’s plan to expand social protection and promote green employment at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha this week, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Monday.
The three-day summit from Nov. 4-6, organized under the auspices of the United Nations General Assembly, brings together world leaders and policymakers to discuss strategies for advancing social development, promoting decent work, and strengthening inclusive safety nets.
Pakistan’s participation highlights its efforts to align domestic initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), the country’s flagship cash-transfer initiative for low-income households, with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as the country seeks to integrate employment and climate considerations into its social protection agenda.
“The President will underscore Pakistan’s commitment to inclusive growth and social protection, with the Benazir Income Support Program at the center of efforts to reduce poverty and build resilience among vulnerable groups,” Radio Pakistan reported.
According to the broadcaster, Zardari will hold meetings with global and regional leaders, including the leadership of Qatar, as well as heads of multilateral organizations such as the United Nations and other international bodies.
During these discussions, he is expected to emphasize Pakistan’s readiness to pilot a Doha-aligned Social Protection and Jobs Compact (2026–28), aimed at expanding coverage to informal workers, persons with disabilities, and children while promoting decent and green employment.
The initiative aligns with the Doha Political Declaration and international commitments on social protection and financing for development.
Zardari will also highlight Pakistan’s intent to work with development partners to mobilize funding through mechanisms such as the SDG Stimulus, debt-for-social or climate swaps, and South–South cooperation under China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI).
Radio Pakistan said the president will reaffirm Pakistan’s resolve to translate the outcomes of the Doha Summit into concrete actions that strengthen social protection systems and support sustainable, inclusive economic growth.
