U.N. Holds Pakistan Flood Meeting in New York City
- 14 years ago
The United Nations held a high-level meeting on Pakistan flood relief on Sunday.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon emphasized the great need for the world to come together to help the country recover from the recent devastating flooding.
[Ban Ki-moon, U.N. Secretary General]:
"The floods in Pakistan are a global disaster, a global challenge, and a global test of solidarity. This challenge will require our continued focus and commitment to relief, recovery and reconstruction by everyone in the months ahead… The people of Pakistan are counting on the support of the international community. Let us work to help them rebuild their communities, their livelihoods and their lives.”
The floods in Pakistan began more than a month ago and swept through the country, affecting more than 20 million people, damaged or destroyed nearly 1.9 million homes and killed 1,700 people.
On Friday the U.N. asked member states for $2 billion to help Pakistan. This is the largest natural disaster appeal in the history of the U.N.
The money is intended to cover the needs of up to 14 million people for the next 12 months.
Pakistan’s foreign minister was at the meeting on Sunday. He thanked the world body and its member countries for the help they have given so far.
[Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister, Pakistan]:
"We are determined to enable our people to redeem their lives and livelihoods with dignity. I'm confident with your help and support, and with our efforts we can make it happen. I thank you all on behalf of the 180 million people of Pakistan."
In the meeting, both the United States and the World Bank urged Pakistan take steps to reassure donor countries that it is capable of using billions of dollars of flood aid responsibly and transparently.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon emphasized the great need for the world to come together to help the country recover from the recent devastating flooding.
[Ban Ki-moon, U.N. Secretary General]:
"The floods in Pakistan are a global disaster, a global challenge, and a global test of solidarity. This challenge will require our continued focus and commitment to relief, recovery and reconstruction by everyone in the months ahead… The people of Pakistan are counting on the support of the international community. Let us work to help them rebuild their communities, their livelihoods and their lives.”
The floods in Pakistan began more than a month ago and swept through the country, affecting more than 20 million people, damaged or destroyed nearly 1.9 million homes and killed 1,700 people.
On Friday the U.N. asked member states for $2 billion to help Pakistan. This is the largest natural disaster appeal in the history of the U.N.
The money is intended to cover the needs of up to 14 million people for the next 12 months.
Pakistan’s foreign minister was at the meeting on Sunday. He thanked the world body and its member countries for the help they have given so far.
[Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister, Pakistan]:
"We are determined to enable our people to redeem their lives and livelihoods with dignity. I'm confident with your help and support, and with our efforts we can make it happen. I thank you all on behalf of the 180 million people of Pakistan."
In the meeting, both the United States and the World Bank urged Pakistan take steps to reassure donor countries that it is capable of using billions of dollars of flood aid responsibly and transparently.