PM calls for return of stolen wealth to developing countries

Prime Minister Imran Khan has called for prioritizing vaccine equity, debt relief, climate finance and return of stolen wealth to developing countries as part of global economic recovery from the devastating effects of COVID-19 pandemic.

The Prime Minister delivered his remarks at the World Leaders Summit Dialogue organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) during its on-going 15th Quadrennial Meeting, hosted by Barbados on Tuesday.

Expressing concerns over vaccine inequity, the Prime Minister called for a more equitable distribution.

Recalling his campaign for debt relief, the Prime Minister advocated for debt relief until the end of the pandemic.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the urgent need for mobilization of and contribution by richer countries to climate finance in view of the vulnerability and existential challenges faced by Small Island Developing Countries (SIDS) and other developing countries, including Pakistan.

Reiterating his deep concern over the huge challenge of illicit flow of money – an annual amount of one trillion dollars- from developing countries to richer capitals and tax havens, the Prime Minister underscored the imperative of halting these outflows.

The Prime Minister once again emphasised implementation of UN Secretary General’s FACTI Panel recommendations,enabling developing countries to more meaningfully alleviate poverty and human development.

The Prime Minister was invited to the Leaders Dialogue along with Presidents of Kenya, and Guyana, Secretary General UNCTAD and heads of other UN agencies, under the theme of “Building a more prosperous development path: Matching the scale of the moment”.

The Quadrennial Conference, hosted virtually by Barbados from 4-7 October 2021, is taking place in the backdrop of unprecedented economic, public health and social effects, induced and exacerbated by COVID-19 pandemic.