New Partnership to Benefit 1.5 Million People in Pakistan
Islamabad: In a significant development aimed at enhancing urban infrastructure and services in Pakistan, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have joined hands in a collaborative effort. The partnership, sealed through a Letter of Understanding (LOU) signed today, focuses on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives and solid waste management interventions in the cities of Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur in Punjab province.
The agreement, inked by Mr. Yong Ye, ADB Country Director for Pakistan, and Mr. Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF’s Representative in Pakistan, marks a renewed commitment to bolstering policy, legislative framework, and institutional capacity in municipal service delivery. Under the banner of the Developing Resilient Environments and Advancing Municipal Services (DREAMS) Project, the collaboration aims to enhance the quality, coverage, and reliability of urban services in these burgeoning cities.
With a focus on inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban infrastructure and services, the partnership will launch public awareness and communication campaigns targeting improved behaviors and practices related to water, sanitation, and solid waste management. The collaborative efforts are expected to benefit up to 1.5 million urban dwellers in Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur, two crucial cities in Pakistan’s most populous province.
Mr. Ye expressed optimism about the joint endeavor, emphasizing its potential to address water supply and solid waste management challenges effectively. Mr. Fadil echoed this sentiment, highlighting the commitment of both organizations to leveraging their collective expertise and knowledge to enhance equitable access to essential services and reduce vulnerability to environmental degradation and climate change.
The partnership signifies a deepening of the existing collaboration between ADB and UNICEF in Pakistan. It builds upon their shared commitment to supporting sustainable development initiatives and responding effectively to emergent challenges, as exemplified by their collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic to procure emergency medical supplies and equipment.
Looking ahead, the agreement sets the stage for continued collaboration in future phases of the DREAMS project and other endeavors aimed at fostering sustainable development in Pakistan. The synergy between ADB’s DREAMS project and UNICEF’s WASH program presents a promising opportunity to amplify the impact of their interventions, ultimately leading to positive outcomes in water, sanitation, and hygiene that will benefit communities across the country.
Read more: Pakistan signs agreements with Gavi, Unicef to bolster healthcare system
Established in 1966, the ADB remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering prosperity, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability in Asia and the Pacific. With 68 member countries, including 49 from the region, the ADB continues to play a pivotal role in eradicating extreme poverty and promoting sustainable development across the region.
