President Asif Ali Zardari will present a new initiative to expand Pakistan’s social safety net, potentially funded through innovative mechanisms like debt-for-social swaps, during his attendance at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha this week.

The President is set to travel for the three-day conference, which commences Tuesday under the auspices of the United Nations General Assembly. The global gathering will convene world leaders and policymakers to deliberate on advancing social development, fostering decent employment opportunities, and reinforcing inclusive support systems.

A central element of Pakistan”s agenda is the announcement of its readiness to pilot a “Doha-aligned Social Protection and Jobs Compact” from 2026 to 2028. The initiative aims to extend coverage to informal workers, persons with disabilities, and children, while concurrently promoting green employment.

President Zardari will underline Pakistan”s intent to work with development partners and multilateral institutions to mobilize financing. He is expected to highlight strategies such as the SDG Stimulus, climate swaps, and South-South cooperation under China”s Global Development Initiative to fund the new compact.

The President will also underscore the country”s existing commitment to inclusive growth, showcasing the Benazir Income Support Programme as a core component of national efforts to reduce poverty and build resilience among vulnerable groups.

On the sidelines of the summit, President Zardari is scheduled to hold important meetings with various global and regional leaders, including the leadership of Qatar and heads of major international organisations such as the United Nations.

He will reaffirm Pakistan”s dedication to translating the summit”s outcomes into concrete actions that strengthen national social protection frameworks and support sustainable, inclusive economic growth.