The Swedish Embassy in Pakistan and Business Sweden unveiled a comprehensive report titled “Rebuild for a Resilient Pakistan.” This report delves into the pressing challenges faced by Pakistan, including the devastating impact of climate calamities, extreme weather patterns, and natural disasters, which far exceed the country’s proportional carbon contribution.
The report discusses how Team Sweden can provide support in four main categories: capacity building; energy transition; community infrastructure, transport & housing; and lastly, areas around hazard monitoring, forecasting, and prediction for a more proactive Pakistan.
Henrik Persson, Ambassador of Sweden to Pakistan, welcomed the guests and said
“Sweden is committed to support the people and government of Pakistan as they continue to recover from the widespread devastation caused by the country’s worst floods in recent history. Rebuilding basic infrastructure is of high priority and Sweden has the opportunity to contribute with significant sustainable solutions in a number of vital areas. The report paints a picture of a private sector that is eager to help and that sees opportunities coming out of a difficult situation, with a shared vision of cooperating to create the right conditions for growth and prosperity in Pakistan for the future.”
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Emil Akander, Vice President of South and Southeast Asia Business Sweden said
“Sweden is a powerhouse of innovation, sustainability, and co-creation, with a strong position to support projects and programs for resilient recovery. Especially in areas such as agriculture, energy, and technologies improving proactive measures for disaster prevention. Our Swedish companies in Pakistan and beyond have the relevant skills, and technologies but also the will to further cooperate to tackle the challenges and address the opportunities for a stronger partnership between our two countries.”
The report explores various industries and solutions that can contribute to the development of sustainable measures. Additionally, it provides a framework for both the government and companies to prioritize and focus their efforts in this regard.
The launch ceremony witnessed the presence of notable entities, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), delegates from the European Union (EU), and representatives from United Nations (UN) institutions. Islamic Relief and 14 Swedish companies were also actively involved in the event.
Ericsson, a prominent participant in the report and the event, expressed its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. The company’s ongoing efforts in developing innovative solutions have already showcased significant improvements in energy efficiency. Ericsson Pakistan played a crucial role as one of the key contributors to the report and actively participated in the launch event.
The launch of this report marks a crucial step in addressing the challenges posed by climate change in Pakistan. By highlighting sustainable solutions and fostering collaboration between government entities and companies, the report aims to build a more resilient Pakistan capable of withstanding future climate-related adversities.