ISLAMABAD (INP): President Mamnoon Hussain Tuesday emphasized on
undertaking concerted initiatives for enhancing mutual cooperation and
integration amongst South Asian countries for attaining the goal of
sustainable development in the region. The President stated that closer
regional collaboration and integration would help in achieving the
shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous and developed region.
The President was addressing the 17th Annual Sustainable Development
Conference of Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) on the
theme of “pathways to sustainable development in South Asia and beyond”,
here in Islamabad. The Conference was attended, among others, by
Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Reforms Mr. Ahsan
Iqbal, UN Under-Secretary General for Regional Economic and Social
Commission of Asia & Pacific Region Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Executive
Director SDPI DR. Abid Qaiyum Suleri and senior officials.
The President said that Pakistan has all along supported efforts to
promote regional cooperation adding that the country’s policy is based
on the conviction that South Asia will be able to realize its potential
for rapid and inclusive growth through collaborative efforts by tackling
all socio-economic challenges together. The President noted that
Pakistan also gives highest priority to the agenda of sustainable
development and is determined to bring synergy amongst economic, social
and environmental sustainability.
Mamnoon Hussain expressed confidence that South Asia region has the
potential to attain Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provided that
all regional stakeholders including civil society, policy think tanks,
academia, private sector, and media work in unison and harmony. In this
regard, organizations which generate relevant policy research play a
vital role in providing innovative ideas and proposals to the
governments for actions at domestic level and deepening the bonds of
regional cooperation, added the President. The President also referred
to the forward looking ‘Kathmandu Declaration’ adopted at the recent
SAARC Summit which called for further closer cooperation and deeper
economic integration for promoting peace, prosperity and progress of the
people of South Asia. Discussing all aspects of regional cooperation
and developing consensus upon measures would aid in realizing
sustainable development in the region, said the President.
The President expressed confidence that the discussions at the
Conference amongst experts and policy researchers would further
complement the efforts of respective governments in implementing SDGs.
The President noted that Pakistan has already taken a significant step
by preparing a roadmap for achievement of SDGs through its Vision 2025.
The Vision 2025 recognizes the importance of people- centered inclusive
growth through good governance and active public-private partnership
besides aiming to achieve the immediate goals of energy, water and food
security in the country, stated the President. Earlier, Federal Minister
for Planning, Development & Reforms Mr. Ahsan Iqbal in his address
said that unprecedented challenges require unprecedented regional
collaboration and efforts to address common regional challenges.

The President appreciated SDPI for providing research based policy
recommendations to the government of Pakistan on numerous issues. The
President also appreciated SDPI for organizing the Conference
successfully.

Source : http://www.thefrontierpost.com/2014/12/president-for-integration-amongst-south-asian-countries/