In a video message on the 20th anniversary of Juncao Assistance and Sustainable Development Cooperation, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan said: “China is a role model for developing countries in poverty alleviation. China’s remarkable growth has brought 800 million people out of poverty over the past four decades.”
He emphasised that the global South is suffering from austere climate crisis, food insecurity and other “multiple challenges”.The prime minister added that extreme poverty had been steadily declining over the past two decades due to relentless efforts.
China’s remarkable growth has brought 800 million people out of poverty over the past four decades. Juncao farming technology could help the world tackle economic challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.” PM @ImranKhanPTI virtual address at the Juncao Forum. pic.twitter.com/KOetcqBAoa
— PTI (@PTIofficial) September 3, 2021
“However, [the] Covid-19 pandemic triggered an economic meltdown which has slowed down global progress. Extreme poverty rose in 2020 for the first time in over 20 years,” he said.
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Thus, the achievement of food security and improved nutrition has become an even “greater challenge” for developing countries, he said.
“Sustainable ways of achieving economic recovery, growth and development are critical during the pandemic.”
PM Imran Khan appreciated Chinese efforts for sharing the Juncao technology with over 100 countries, saying it had already “benefited thousands of people across the continents over the past 20 years”.
Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI's remarks at the Forum on the 20th Anniversary of #Juncao and Sustainable Development Cooperation
(With Urdu Subtitles) pic.twitter.com/gM3kYOQlEB
— Imran Ghazali | #DigitalStrategy (@ImranGhazaliPK) September 3, 2021
Juncao, commonly revered as the “magic grass”, is two Chinese characters meaning “mushroom” and “grass”. The Chinese scientists proved this grass to be an economical and environment-friendly substitute for timber. PM Khan added he is “pleased to note that innovative Juncao technology […] suits our society and economy. Such innovative, affordable and eco-friendly technologies may help catalyse our progress towards achieving the first two sustainable development goals: no poverty and zero hunger.”
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He said he affirms President Xi Jinping’s vision of a “prosperous, clean and beautiful world”.
He shared his political party has placed climate change as the key agenda. He shared that the government of Pakistan “fully supports international efforts to combat the scourge”. He added that one billion trees had been planted under the government’s 10 Billion Tree Tsunami programme to expand and restore forests. The Miyawaki technique, borrowed from the famous Japanese botanist has done wonders in rejuvenating Pakistan’s forestry.
“Our green initiatives resonate with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. We hope it will contribute to preventing, halting and reversing the degradation of ecosystems,” he added.
Pm Imran Khan stated that Pakistan is committed to the global cooperation to alleviate poverty and support sustainable growth.
"Poverty alleviation and tackling climate change are my government's key priorities,"
Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI, addressing the Forum on the 20th Anniversary of #Juncao and Sustainable Development Cooperation pic.twitter.com/OypUgqMww0
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) September 3, 2021
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