ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Imran Khan will be addressing the United NationsEconomic and Social Council forum on financing for development today.

The four-day discussion is being held virtually under Pakistan’s presidencyof ECOSOC from 12-15 April 2021. It aims to mobilise financial support todeveloping countries for revival from the impact of the ongoing Covid-19pandemic.

The premier will call on the international community to take bold andurgent decisions to respond to the challenges posed by the Covid-19,achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and climate solutions.

At least ten heads of state along with 50 Ministers will take part in thespecial segment. Six panel discussions regarding the themes of resilientrecovery, recurrent debt crises, pandemic responses, and climate changewill be held.

Last year in April, Khan advanced the “Global Initiative on Debt Relief”for developing countries and, in January 2021, he proposed a 5-pointfinancial action plan encompassing debt relief, creation and redistributionof Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) by the IMF, larger concessionalassistance, mobilization of climate finance, and end to illicit financialflows from the developing countries.