Prime Minister underscores human development, food security, and digital transformation as pillars of sustainable progress, framing global peace and prosperity as the ultimate goal
MM Report
VIENNA: In a high-profile United Nations event in Vienna, Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif outlined Pakistan’s commitment to integrating the Sustainable Development Goals into its national policy framework, stressing that economic growth must be inclusive, resilient, and people-centered.
Speaking at the forum on “Sustainable Development: Pathway for Global Peace and Prosperity,” the Prime Minister highlighted human development, food security, and digital transformation as central pillars for achieving sustainable progress. He described Pakistan’s young population as a vital asset for the country’s future prosperity, urging regional connectivity and cooperation as essential components for lasting global peace.
Prime Minister Sharif also called for a strengthened and reformed United Nations, describing the international body as a cornerstone of global collaboration and dialogue. He emphasized Vienna’s critical role as a hub of international governance and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Through these partnerships, he argued, nations could advance sustainable development, facilitate technology transfer, and foster world peace. Highlighting the importance of capacity building and knowledge sharing, PM Sharif underlined the need for inclusive governance in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
PM Shahbaz urged the international community to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that technological progress benefits all of humanity rather than a select few. “Global peace and prosperity can only be achieved if nations prioritize collective human advancement over narrow self-interest,” he asserted.
In his address, the Prime Minister also drew attention to the protection of international treaties and the Indus River System, a lifeline for more than 240 million people in the region. By doing so, he reinforced the principle that environmental sustainability and water security are inseparable from broader efforts to maintain peace and stability.
PM Sharif’s remarks in Vienna were framed as a call to action for multilateralism, diplomacy, and cooperation, presenting Pakistan as an advocate for global stability and shared prosperity. Through his address, he sought to convey that the challenges of the 21st century—ranging from climate change and technological disruption to regional tensions—require a collective, inclusive approach, placing human welfare at the center of international policy.
