The international community is joining forces to aid Pakistan in its rebuilding efforts following the devastating floods of last summer.
Floods impacted thousands of people across the country and left a staggering 20 million in need of humanitarian assistance.
READ: Minister urges greater climate action following Pakistan flooding
In collaboration with the United Nations (UN), Pakistan held a conference in Geneva on 9 January to rally support for its reconstruction efforts.
António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, declared: “No country deserves to endure what happened to Pakistan.”
“Above all, we need to be honest about the brutal injustice of loss and damage suffered by developing countries because of climate change. If there is any doubt about loss and damage – go to Pakistan.”
The estimated cost of rebuilding amounts to $16 billion over the next 3 to 5 years.
The largest commitment came from the Islamic Development Bank Group. World Bank Vice-President for South Asia, Martin Raiser, announced a $2 billion contribution. Other contributors included the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Saudi Arabia, the EU, Japan, and China.
The UK, among the first nations to respond to the disaster, announced an additional £9 million ($11 million) from its budget to Pakistan, bringing the total commitment towards the humanitarian response to £36 million ($43.7 million).
This funding will provide essential services to those most in need and also support the government in planning for a climate-resilient future, as well as support 20,000 students in returning to school and providing primary healthcare services to 170,000 people.
In addition to this latest contribution, the UK has already pledged £55 million ($66.8 million) for climate resilience and adaptation in Pakistan.
