Pakistan, UNDP discuss development financing, climate investment

October 17, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan has discussed expanding development financing, climate-related investment and private sector-led employment with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focusing on converting existing financing opportunities into bankable projects.

The discussions took place between Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and UNDP Administrator and UN Under-Secretary-General Alexander De Croo on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Both sides explored UNDP’s Implementation Bridge, alongside the development of an investable project pipeline through the SDG Investment Fair and the V20 platform, with emphasis on strengthening implementation capacity.

The meeting also examined integrated financing, blended finance, public–private partnerships and enhanced cooperation between UNDP and the World Bank. Biodiversity financing and potential debt-for-nature and debt-for-climate swaps were also discussed, taking into account Pakistan’s external debt composition.

Muhammad Aurangzeb stressed the importance of private sector-led job creation and expanding cash flow-based lending, digital finance and guarantee mechanisms to improve access to financing for small businesses and farmers.

The discussions further covered potential collaboration on climate risk insurance, including initiatives under the Global Shield and parametric insurance mechanisms.

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