Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: A ground-breaking collaboration between the United Nations, the government of the People’s Republic of China and the government of Pakistan has helped the affectees of natural disasters and displacement in Balochistan and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

With generous funding from the People’s Republic of China and in partnership with the FATA Secretariat and Balochistan, the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) project, of $4 million, has benefitted 80,269 people and 8,100 temporarily displaced families in Kurram, South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Khyber and Orakzai Agencies in FATA. In Balochistan’s Naseerabad, Jafferabad and Sohbatpur districts — which were the worst affected by the 2010 floods — new furniture and education kits were provided to 19,000 school children in 423 schools.

In its first ever contribution to World Food Programme (WFP) in Pakistan, China contributed $1 million to enable WFP’s assistance for 158,000 people in Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank and Bannu districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in addition to North Waziristan, South Waziristan, Khyber, Kurram, Mohmand and Orakzai agencies in FATA. These include both those who are returning to FATA and those who are still displaced. Thanks to China’s contribution, WFP procured and distributed food assistance which included yellow split peas, iodised salt, vegetable oil and Mamta – a nutritious supplementary food. In addition, 5,600 children under five months of age and pregnant and nursing mothers received six months of support to prevent malnutrition.

By providing assistance to the most vulnerable families, China Aid is helping marginalised communities to manage shocks and build a foundation for the future. These initiatives build upon the government of China’s continued commitment and contribution to the international emergency response efforts under the framework of the China South-South Cooperation Fund, managed by the Ministry of Commerce of China.

Chinese Deputy Head of Mission to Pakistan Lijian Zhao said, “The South-South Cooperation Fund is set up by China to shoulder its international responsibility, as a special fund dedicated to helping developing countries to pursue sustainable development goals. The successful implementation of these two projects mark the entering of China South-South Fund into Pakistan. It is highly appreciated that Pakistani is giving strong support to South-South Cooperation and I am very impressed by the high sense of responsibility, rich experience and professional competence of UN agencies.”

UN Pakistan Resident Coordinator Neil Buhne said, “This partnership is an impressive example of how the United Nations agencies can work as One UN, bringing together their unique strengths to provide the right assistance to the right people at the right time. Such partnerships break from the traditional model of overseas development assistance, where donors provide grants and loans to developing countries. Instead, countries from the Global South are helping each other along the path towards sustainable development.”

WFP Acting Country Representative Katrien Ghoos said, “Families who have been affected by displacement and insecurity in recent years are vulnerable to food insecurity. They often lack the resources to access nutritious foods. This has impacts on every aspect of life, from health and education to work and well-being. China is an increasingly significant global player and a vital donor to WFP operations. WFP is pleased to partner with our new donor in Pakistan in support of our efforts to achieve food and nutrition security.”

UNDP Pakistan Country Director Ignacio Artaza said, “The challenges that FATA and Balochistan’s communities face require new partnerships and coordinated action. Our collaboration with China and Pakistani authorities is an example of how countries from the Global South can share their strengths and act as partners as they progress towards sustainable development. UNDP has a long history of working closely with Pakistani government and communities to help them achieve their development goals. In FATA and Balochistan, Government of China is supporting the UN’s efforts to enable the affected communities to secure a better future.”

The project was implemented in partnership with the FATA Disaster Management Authority, FATA Secretariat, the TDP Secretariat and the Departments of Education, Planning & Development.

Published in Daily Times, April 24^th 2018.