Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and UN official reaffirm commitment to bilateral partnership

The meeting served as a platform to reflect on the progress made during Mr. Yahya’s tenure and to look forward to the future trajectory of the relationship between the Pakistani government and the United Nations system.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his profound appreciation for the significant contributions made by Mr. Yahya in strengthening the institutional ties between Pakistan and the United Nations. The Prime Minister specifically highlighted the effectiveness of the UN Country Team under Mr. Yahya’s leadership, noting their consistent support for Pakistan’s development goals.

Key areas of focus discussed during the session included the nation's ongoing efforts toward climate resilience, the pursuit of sustainable development goals, and the enhancement of disaster response mechanisms.

These sectors have become increasingly vital for Pakistan, particularly as the country navigates the complex challenges posed by environmental shifts and the need for robust infrastructure to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. Reflecting on the history of this cooperation, the Prime Minister recalled the pivotal role the United Nations played in mobilizing international support during the catastrophic 2022 floods.

He noted that the global response, facilitated by the UN, was instrumental in providing relief to millions of affected citizens and in initiating the long-term recovery process. This historical context underscored the necessity of maintaining a strong, responsive, and proactive partnership that can be activated during times of crisis.

The meeting also marked a significant professional milestone for Mr. Yahya, who has been appointed as the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his warm congratulations on this new appointment, describing the promotion as a fitting recognition of Mr. Yahya’s extensive experience, dedication, and commitment to humanitarian work on a global scale. The Prime Minister expressed his confidence that Mr. Yahya would continue to excel in his new role, which carries significant weight in shaping international humanitarian policy.

In response, Mr. Yahya thanked the Prime Minister for the recognition and expressed his sincere gratitude for the cooperation extended to him and the broader UN Country Team by the Government of Pakistan throughout his time in the country.

He noted that the support provided by the Pakistani authorities was essential in enabling the UN to carry out its mandate effectively across various provinces and sectors. As the meeting concluded, both leaders expressed a shared vision for the future, stating their belief that the close partnership between Pakistan and the United Nations would continue to grow and evolve.

This commitment to a stronger, more integrated relationship is expected to facilitate further progress in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the region, ensuring that Pakistan remains well-positioned to achieve its long-term development objectives with the backing of the international community.