In 1969, when UNDP was established in its current form, the world was a different place from the one we see today. It was one dominated by two superpowers, with many countries in Africa and Asia slowly emerging from colonialism to take charge of their own destinies after decades or centuries of external rule. The global aid system evolved in this context, one in which richer countries of the Global North extended grants, loans, goods and expertise to poorer countries of the Global South.

“The future of humanity and of our planet lies in our hands. It lies also in the hands of today’s younger generation who will pass the torch to future generations.” These words lie at the heart of Agenda 2030, the global commitment to achieve sustainable development for all. Young people worldwide have been instrumental in formulating this agenda, and their contributions are now essential to realizing its ambitions.

Last month, UNDP launched its 27th Human Development Report, based on a ground breaking approach that recognizes that it is people – you and I and our families and communities – who stand at the heart of development. That while economic growth is important to bringing prosperity, wealth is only a means to an end. The true measure of a country’s success lies in the wellbeing of its people, and the opportunities and choices they have to live the lives they value.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a whole is supporting various governments in implementing the Gender Equality Seal Certification Programme. This initiative aims to ensure that development interventions address women empowerment and gender equality issues, as well as create equitable conditions for women and men in the workplace, both of which are critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Certainly, the Pakistan Country Office has made significant strides in gender-related work in Pakistan. Efforts to implement the fifth SDG goal to “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls” are visible in the country programme across its thematic areas in about 30 projects and programmes.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) lie at the heart of inclusive markets. They are also important employers of marginalized groups such as women and youth, offering opportunities to people who may otherwise be excluded from the economic mainstream. In Pakistan, nearly 90 percent of all enterprises are SMEs, employing 80 percent of the non-agricultural workforce. They contribute 40 percent of Pakistan’s GDP and can potentially play an even greater part in economic growth and poverty alleviation.