The Punjab SDGs Unit facilitated the UNDP Mission, led by the Resident Representative, Mr. Knut Ostby, in their visit to Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab, Capt. (R) Saqib Zafar, to launch District SDGs Profiles and South Punjab SDGs Indicators Reports. These reports are a flagship initiative of the Punjab SDGs Unit, developed in collaboration with the Planning & Development Department, South Punjab, for evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development in South Punjab.
During their visit to the Violence against Women (VAWC) Center Multan, the mission got an insight into the Government of Punjab's commitment to eliminate all kinds of violence against women. Established under the Punjab Protection of Violence against Women Act 2016, South Asia’s first VAWC in Multan provides 24/7 all-women-run facilities, including first aid, post-trauma rehabilitation, police reporting, FIR lodging, prosecution, medical examination, and forensics under one roof. During their visit to Bahawalpur, the UNDP mission called on Shoeb Iqbal Syed, Secretary P&D South Punjab, and discussed strategic planning aspects to deepen ongoing partnership with Punjab SDGs Unit in South Punjab, through socio-economic profiling, district SDGs localization plans, and regional SDGs indicators, among other initiatives for South Punjab. The mission also visited the University of Bahawalpur and had a candid conversation with students on youth's role as drivers of change to overcome challenges to sustainable development, including impacts of climate change, unemployment, poverty, and gender inequality.
