In 2022, Pakistan experienced unprecedented rains and devastating floods that caused the deaths of more than 1,700 people and affected the lives of 33 million people across the country. Homes, roads, schools, health facilities and other critical infrastructure were destroyed, and livelihoods, livestock and crops were also severely affected.
Canada participated in the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan, held in Geneva, Switzerland, on January 9, 2023. The focus of the conference was on mobilizing financial and technical support for flood response and recovery. Canada's participation underscored its continued engagement in and response to the ongoing situation in Pakistan.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced that Canada has committed an additional $25 million in funding in response to the flooding in Pakistan, which will support development projects focused on recovery, reconstruction and resilience.
The funding announced by Minister Sajjan will go toward supporting projects aligned with the Government of Pakistan's Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Framework. This multi-sectoral strategy for climate-resilient rehabilitation and reconstruction in response to the floods was presented at the conference in Geneva.
Minister Sajjan visited the flood-affected region in September 2022 and observed the humanitarian response under way, gaining a better understanding of what the people of Pakistan face. He remains committed to continuing to assist those affected by this tragedy.
