As a transgender rights activist from Pakistan and the co-founder of PINK Center, I had the extraordinary privilege of participating in the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) 2024. Bringing together world leaders, policymakers, civil society organizations, youth delegates, and stakeholders, the annual platform serves as a global stage to review progress, share best practices, and chart new paths towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The HLPF 2024: A Global Stage for Sustainable Development

The High-Level Political Forum 2024 was a whirlwind of innovative ideas, youth engagement, and global cooperation. This year’s forum, under the theme “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises,” brought together world leaders, civil society organizations, and activists like myself to assess progress and challenges in implementing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The forum’s agenda was packed with critical discussions. We delved into an in-depth review of SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 13 (Climate Action), 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). As I sat in on these sessions, I was struck by how interconnected our global challenges are. The issues we face in Pakistan – poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to resources – are echoed around the world, albeit in different forms.

Sessions like “Transforming Economies: Empowering the Most Marginalized” and “Building Inclusive Societies: The Role of Youth and Gender Equality” particularly resonated with me. As speakers discussed strategies for including marginalized communities in development efforts, I couldn’t help but think of the transgender individuals I work with at PINK Center. Our efforts to provide economic opportunities and entrepreneurship training suddenly felt like a small but significant piece of this global puzzle.

Throughout the forum, there was a palpable sense of urgency. With just six years left to achieve the 2030 Agenda, discussions often centered on accelerating progress and finding innovative solutions to persistent challenges. It was both daunting and inspiring to be part of these conversations, knowing that the decisions made here would have real-world impacts on communities like mine back home.

Growing Up Different in Pakistan – The Birth of PINK Center

Growing up as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in Pakistan meant navigating a world that constantly reminded me of my “difference.” From an early age, I was acutely aware of the societal expectations that dictated who I should be and how I should act. I was expected to conform to rigid gender norms, and when I didn’t, the world around me responded with confusion, hostility, and sometimes, outright rejection. 

The birth of PINK Center – Pakistan’s first trans-led, trans-based social enterprise focused on the economic empowerment of the transgender community – was not just the start of an organization; it was the manifestation of a dream born from countless moments of struggle, hope, and determination. It was born out of my desire to create a space where transgender individuals could reclaim their identities, not as a burden, but as a badge of honor. PINK became a place where we could rewrite the narrative – a place where being different wasn’t just accepted but celebrated. It was a defiant response to the systemic marginalization I had faced during my childhood years – a platform to empower those who, just like me, had been told they did not belong, that they had no right to exist. 

From the Streets of Rawalpindi to the Halls of the UN

When Accountability Lab nominated me to represent PINK Center at the HLPF 2024, it felt like a validation of every sleepless night, every door slammed in my face, and every small win I had achieved over the 4+ years of my activism journey. This nomination wasn’t just a personal honor; it was a recognition of the vital work I had been doing for the transgender community in Pakistan. 

The journey from being nominated to actually standing in the UN headquarters was a whirlwind of logistic preparations and late-night strategy sessions. I remember poring over SDG reports, trying to connect our grassroots work with the global development agenda. At each step, I carried with me the stories of every transgender person I had worked with – their struggles, their resilience, and their dreams – knowing that I was not just representing myself or PINK, but the hopes and dreams of the entire transgender community of Pakistan.

Reflections from the Forum

The HLPF 2024 was a convergence of global priorities that resonated deeply with my work at PINK Center and the ongoing struggle for transgender rights in Pakistan. The theme, “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and Eradicating Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises,” set the tone for discussions that felt incredibly relevant to the challenges faced by Pakistan’s marginalized communities. Sitting in the sessions, I was reminded of the urgency with which we need to address issues like poverty, gender inequality, and social exclusion in Pakistan.

One of the most impactful moments was during the session reviewing “Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals”. Here, countries discussed the successes and challenges of multi-stakeholder partnerships. I took the opportunity to present a case study on PINK’s collaborations with organizations like Khwaja-Sira Society and SATHI Foundation. By detailing our joint efforts and outcomes, I illustrated the importance of inclusive partnerships in advancing the SDGs, particularly in reducing inequalities and promoting decent work. Hearing leaders emphasize this need validated our work and reinforced the necessity of a unified approach.

One of the most powerful aspects of the HLPF was its unwavering focus on youth empowerment. As a young leader actively working to shift societal norms in Pakistan, I found the forum’s dedication to creating safe spaces for youth participation deeply encouraging. In sessions like “Youth as Catalysts for Change,” we discussed the pivotal role of young people in driving systemic change. I highlighted the achievements of the PINK Center in mobilizing young transgender individuals across Pakistan, equipping them with entrepreneurial skills and fostering a sense of agency. It was inspiring to witness a collective acknowledgment of the transformative potential that lies in the intersection of youth activism and sustainable development.

Perhaps most importantly, the discussions around Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) struck a personal chord. During these sessions, I learned how other countries had included LGBTQ+ issues in their national reviews. This was a revelation for me. In Pakistan, the transgender community has often been excluded from national policy discussions. Inspired by these examples, I am now determined to advocate for the inclusion of transgender issues in Pakistan’s future VNRs. I am confident that this could be a powerful tool for holding the government accountable and highlighting our community’s needs on both a national and international stage.

Conclusively, realizing the global nature of our struggle was one of the most profound aspects of the HLPF 2024. The discrimination, the fight for legal recognition, the struggle for economic independence – these challenges echoed in every session, whether it was on gender equality, economic inclusion, or youth empowerment. This realization led me to thinking about potentially creating a regional platform for LGBTQ+ organizations and activists worldwide to promote knowledge-sharing and collective advocacy. I’m now exploring partnerships with relevant organizations and individuals in South Asian countries to start a pilot program implementation of this vision. 

Personal Insights – A Renewed Commitment: 

Attending the HLPF 2024 was a deeply personal journey for me. As someone who has witnessed firsthand the struggles and triumphs of Pakistan’s transgender community, the forum was a reminder of why my work at PINK Center is crucial. It was a call to action – a reaffirmation of the need to continue advocating for economic inclusion, not just as a matter of equity but as a cornerstone of sustainable development. Engaging with global leaders, activists, and policymakers, I left the forum with a renewed sense of purpose and a strengthened resolve to push the boundaries of what is possible for the transgender community in Pakistan.

The insights gained at HLPF 2024 have fortified my commitment to driving systemic change. The forum’s focus on intersectionality, evidence-based strategies, and interlinkages between the SDGs resonated with the holistic approach I champion at PINK Center. Moving forward, my vision is to leverage the knowledge and connections gained at the HLPF 2024 to scale our impact, ensuring that economic empowerment for transgender individuals is not an isolated effort but part of a global movement toward a more just and inclusive world.

The Road Ahead:

As I leave New York, I carry with me not just memories and business cards, but a renewed sense of purpose. The journey has been a long one, but it’s far from over. There is a famous quotation we often say in Urdu, “Manzil abhi door hai” (The destination is still far). But with every step, with every voice raised, we get closer to a world of true equality and inclusion.

The HLPF 2024 may be over, but our fight continues. And I, for one, am ready for the challenges ahead. Because now I know – we are not alone in this struggle. We are part of a global community working towards a better world for all. And together, we will make it happen.

Acknowledgements:

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Accountability Lab for nominating me to attend the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2024, and to Washington and Lee University for awarding me the Johnson Opportunity Grant to fund my participation in this prestigious event. Thank you.

Hamza Zia