16-17 September 2019 | ISLAMABAD – LEAD (Local Empowerment, Advocacy and Development for Localisation of SDGs in Pakistan programme) for SDGs Programme convened a consultation workshop upon the successful completion of the programme’s six-month inception phase. The programme is co-financed by the European Union (EU) and implemented in collaboration with the Association for the Development of Local Governance in Pakistan (ADLG) and the Local Council Associations (LCA) of Sindh and Balochistan.
The two days-consultation reviewed the progress made during the programme’s inception phase, identified areas for enhancement and finalised plan for future implementation. Participants noted that the overall programme design is responsive to the needs and priorities of the provinces. Inputs received included the needs to adopt provincial context in the implementation approaches to achieve SDGs at the grass-root level of district and union councils as well as to strengthen the local governance system.
Stakeholders’ consultative workshop also discussed the reviews of one national and two provincial programme designs, participated by more than 100 stakeholders during the inception period in Islamabad, Quetta and Karachi. The overwhelming response and constructive feedback of the stakeholders including parliamentarians, governments, civil society, development partners, academia, UN agencies, media, women and youth organisations was greatly appreciated. Furthermore, the participants demonstrated willingness to create programme synergies, technical support and contributions to empower local governments for mainstreaming, adopting and localising SDGs at district level in both Sindh and Balochistan Provinces.
Going forward LEAD for SDGs Programme’s annual workplan was agreed. Launches of the programme at national and regional levels are scheduled for mid-November 2019. Constructive inputs included the need of strong programme communications, advocacy and knowledge management tools to bring all stakeholders and communities together on the platform of LEAD for SDGs programme. Measures to increase the pace of programme implementation and operational matters were discussed and agreed on.
