Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will make a ‘solidarity visit’ to flood-hit Pakistan on Sept 9.
In conversation with reporters in New York, Stephane Dujarric said “with the tragic situation facing millions of men, women, and children impacted by historic floods in Pakistan, the Secretary-General will travel to the country next week for a solidarity visit.”
He is expected to arrive in Islamabad before he travels to the areas most impacted by the unprecedented climate catastrophe to meet displaced families, he further added.
Munir Akram, Pakistan’s permanent UN representative welcomed the announcement by writing a Tweet “This is a demonstration of his solidarity with the people & Govt of Pakistan in this hour of need & his determination to mobilize the entire UN system to respond to this human catastrophe.”
UN Secretary-General also announced a flash appeal for $160 million to support the Pakistan government’s flood relief efforts on Tuesday.
Speaking at an event hosted by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), he stated “these funds will provide 5.2 million people with food, water, sanitation, emergency education, protection, and health support.”
Guterres also said the world must take collective action against climate change and assist Pakistan in responding to the “colossal crisis”.
The announcement from the Secretary-General came after Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan needs more than $10 billion to repair the damage caused by monsoon rains.
