QUETTA
\nThe \u2018Media Coalition Meeting\u2019 organized by the Population Council with the support of UNFPA in the federal capital called upon the media to play a pivotal role in urging both central and provincial governments to ensure the availability of inclusive, disaggregated data.
\nThis data is essential for crafting informed policies and implementing them effectively, ultimately achieving sustainable population growth and fostering a resilient and equitable future for all citizens.
\nBy advocating for the regular collection and dissemination of such data, the media can contribute significantly to the nation\u2019s efforts to achieve sustainable development goals and improve the overall well-being of the masses.
\nDr. Ali Mir, Senior Director Programs Population Council, in his welcome remarks emphasized the pivotal role of the media in advocating for the regular availability of disaggregated data based on age, sex, disability, geography, and economic status.
\n\u201cWith targeted interventions based on robust data, we can ensure that everyone is counted and accounted for, as each individual plays a vital role in national development.\u201d
\nHe stressed the importance of data utilization for effective policymaking, highlighting the need for a nuanced approach to address diverse population needs. Dr. Mir also introduced this year\u2019s World Population Day theme, \u201cEmbracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All,\u201d underscoring the significance of comprehensive and accessible data in formulating effective population policies.
\nDeputy Manager Communication Population Council, Ikram ul Ahad presented the latest Census 2023 data, emphasizing the need for Pakistan to follow the example of neighboring Muslim countries that have successfully lowered their fertility rates. He said.
\n\u201cThe SDG targets for education, health, nutrition, a sustainable environment, and gender equality cannot be achieved without the implementation of data-driven strategies.\u201d
\nHe urged journalists to highlight data gaps to ensure the timely availability of national-level data for informed policymaking aimed at achieving sustainable population growth.
\nHe also emphasized the importance of enrolling out-of-school children, especially girls, increasing female labor force participation, and empowering women, which will remain a challenge with current high fertility rates.
\nCommunication Officer, Population Council Ummi Kalsoom, shared data on Pakistan\u2019s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
\n\u201cPopulation growth and SDGs are intrinsically linked, with 12 out of 17 SDGs directly related to population growth. A decline in fertility and sustainable population growth could significantly help Pakistan achieve all the SDGs,\u201d she explained.
\nKalsoom stressed the need for consistent media coverage to highlight data gaps and urged Media Coalition members to ensure periodic data availability.
\nDr. Jameel Ahmed, Program Specialist at UNFPA, called for a comprehensive strategy prioritizing family planning to achieve the SDGs.
\n\u201cPeople-centric development cannot be realized without the timely provision of disaggregated public data, which is crucial for developing nuanced and well-informed policies,\u201demphasizing the media\u2019s pivotal role in advocating for voluntary family planning.
\nThe participants committed to leveraging the media as a powerful tool to advocate for increased data accessibility, which is essential for governments to develop and implement comprehensive family planning policies. Such policies and their effective implementation are crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other national development goals.
\nIt is worth mentioning that the Media Coalition on Population, comprising journalists from major media outlets across Pakistan, periodically highlights the cross-sectoral impact of rapid population growth to raise awareness and hold governments accountable for the well-being of the people.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
QUETTA The \u2018Media Coalition Meeting\u2019 organized by the Population Council with the support of UNFPA in the federal capital called upon the media to play a pivotal role in urging both central and provincial governments to ensure the availability of inclusive, disaggregated data. This data is essential for crafting informed policies and implementing them effectively, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":422713,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-422706","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n