UN chief calls for ‘massive investments’ for Pakistan recovery

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for more support to help Pakistan in its $16 billion reconstruction effort following devastating floods, saying the country has fallen into a climate and financial crisis. the world.

Officials from 40 countries as well as private donors and international financial institutions are gathering for a meeting in Geneva as Islamabad seeks support in what is expected to be a major test of who compensation for weather disasters. The September floods, which continue, killed at least 1,700 people and displaced up to 8 million.

Guterres said in his opening remarks, “We must match the courageous response of the Pakistani people with our efforts and major investments to strengthen their country for the future.” “Pakistan is a double bearer of the climate crisis and a failed global economic system,” he added, calling for creative ways for developing countries to achieve debt relief. and payment.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a “new bond of readiness” to give the country a lifeline, saying it needs $8 billion over the next three years. In a video message, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged an additional $10 million in aid.