Baku, ( Azerbaijan ) November 18 2024: In a momentous address at COP29, Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, spotlighted the Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) program, presenting it as a model for climate-resilient reconstruction and a beacon of hope for flood-affected communities. The initiative, larger in scale than the population of 154 countries, attracted global attention, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to tackle climate change through sustainable housing solutions.
Addressing the A Blueprint for Global Resilience conference at the Pakistan Pavilion, CM Murad Ali Shah shared the transformative impact of the program, underlining its contribution to post-disaster recovery and community rebuilding. He pointed out that the initiative, spearheaded by the Government of Sindh and inspired by the vision of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, aims to enhance resilience for flood-affected communities by rebuilding homes and livelihoods.
As of now, the SPHF program has begun constructing 2.1 million homes, opened over 1 million bank accounts, and disbursed financial assistance to 810,000 families. In Sindh alone, 300,000 climate-resilient houses have been completed, with 60,000 more under construction. The next phase of the initiative will focus on improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, aiming to further enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities.
In an inspiring gesture, a flood-affected village has been named after UN Secretary-General António Guterres, acknowledging his support for the initiative. CM Murad Ali Shah expressed his gratitude towards the global community for their continued backing.
The conference featured a high-level panel discussion with leading figures in development and humanitarian efforts, including:
- Mr. Khalid Mehmood Shaikh, CEO of SPHF
- Ms. Xiaohong Yang, Deputy Director General of ADB
- Dr. Issa Faye, Director-General of the Islamic Development Bank
- Dr. Valerie Hickey, Global Director at the World Bank
Ms. Xiaohong Yang commended the transparency and technology integration of the project, highlighting the use of a Management Information System (MIS) that enables real-time monitoring of fund distribution and construction progress. She praised the Government of Sindh for its commitment to digitalization and community-driven design, which has significantly improved the efficiency of the program.
Dr. Issa Faye emphasized the Islamic Development Bank’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s climate resilience efforts, aligning the SPHF initiative with its strategic goals of sustainable infrastructure and human capital development.
The panel discussion also underscored the program’s holistic approach, combining climate-resilient housing with community empowerment. Dr. Valerie Hickey of the World Bank shared how SPHF has empowered women by facilitating financial inclusion, enabling them to open bank accounts and secure land certificates, thus securing their futures.
Mr. Khalid Mehmood Shaikh highlighted the scale of the program’s success, noting that it directly impacts 15 million people and has significantly improved women’s empowerment and financial literacy. He further explained how empowering families to manage their resources has not only transformed their homes but their lives, providing economic opportunities, health, and education to communities.
The discussion at COP29 solidified the Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees initiative as a leading example of disaster recovery that integrates climate adaptation, economic growth, and social transformation. The program’s use of technology, community involvement, and sustainable practices has set new global standards for post-disaster reconstruction efforts, offering a replicable model for other nations to follow in the fight against climate change.
