PM Shehbaz Sharif urges world to build bridges, not walls

February 18, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan has urged the international community to renew its commitment to sustainable and inclusive development, while describing it as the only viable route to lasting peace and shared prosperity amid a world facing converging crises of geopolitics, climate, and technology.

Speaking at a special event on “Sustainable Development: Pathway for Global Peace and Prosperity,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that poverty, debt distress, mass displacement, and unresolved political conflicts are intensifying global instability.

He stressed that sustainable development must be inclusive and equitable, warning that it cannot be deemed sustainable if it leaves millions behind, APP reported.

Addressing the gathering alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and detailed the government’s focus on human development, education, healthcare, food security, and social protection, especially for women and youth.

Also featured was the signing of key agreements, including the UNIDO Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) Pakistan 2025–2030, the UNODC Country Programme Pakistan, and a cooperation agreement between the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Lahore (INMOL) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the IAEA and Deputy Director-General Yuko Yasunaga of UNIDO also participated, highlighting ongoing collaboration and support for Pakistan’s climate resilience and industrial development efforts.

Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that Pakistan, despite contributing less than one percent of global emissions, bears a disproportionate burden from climate change, citing the devastating 2022 floods that killed thousands, destroyed crops and infrastructure, and displaced millions.

He called for equity, justice, and fair play in development, while urging reforms to the United Nations system to strengthen multilateralism, dialogue, and diplomacy as tools to prevent conflict. Highlighting Vienna’s significance within the UN framework, he noted the city’s role in hosting institutions addressing counter-terrorism, industrial development, nuclear technology, and outer space.

The prime minister also stressed the importance of capacity building, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer to ensure emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology benefit all humanity. “Unaddressed digital divides will soon become entrenched development divides,” he warned, urging global action on the root causes of crises rather than just their consequences.

Deputy Prime Minister Dar and UN officials echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical link between peace, development, and sustainable industrialization, and reaffirming ongoing support for Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen rule of law, promote clean industries, and protect livelihoods.

Pakistan and Austria enhanced bilateral cooperation as  Pakistan’s Prime Minister arrived in Vienna on 16th of February on a two-day official visit focused on strengthening diplomatic relations, expanding trade and investment opportunities, and promoting collaboration on sustainable development and global peace efforts.

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