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In his historic address to the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Pakistan’s Prime Minister emphasized the importance of global cooperation in the face of urgent challenges. The speeches covered a variety of topics, from economic outlook to climate change, regional conflicts and the need to fight terrorism and extremism.
Difficult times require collective action
The Prime Minister began by acknowledging this tense and pivotal moment in modern history. Conflicts are intensifying in many regions, and tensions between global powers continue to rise. He prioritized geoeconomics over geopolitics and emphasized that the world could not afford a new Cold War. Instead, global cooperation and collective action are essential to solving the world’s most pressing challenges.
Economic hardship requires immediate attention
The Prime Minister expressed concern about the bleak global economic outlook. Slowing growth and the threat of higher interest rates are causing serious economic uncertainty, with the potential to trigger a recession. Exogenous shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, and climate change, have devastated many developing countries, upending decades of development. Solving these economic challenges requires a concerted effort.
Sustainable Development Goals and Debt Resolution
The Prime Minister highlighted the commitments made at the recent Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit. Implementing the “SDG stimulus,” rechanneling unused special drawing rights for development, expanding concessional lending, and addressing the debt problems of struggling countries are important steps toward achieving global development goals.
Climate change and financial commitments
Pakistan looks forward to meeting its climate change commitments made at COP28. It provides more than $100 billion in annual climate finance, primarily with at least half earmarked for adaptation in developing countries. The Prime Minister emphasized accelerating carbon emissions mitigation targets while also ensuring fund operations and provision for financing loss and damage.
Pakistan’s Triple Challenge: Food, Fuel and Finance
Pakistan faces three challenges: food security, energy, and economic stability. The impact of climate change, especially severe flooding, has taken a significant toll on the country. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the investment of over $10.5 billion to support Pakistan’s 4RF Plan, a comprehensive recovery plan aimed at building resilience.
Economic recovery and investment promotion
The Government of Pakistan is working to achieve a rapid economic recovery by stabilizing foreign exchange reserves, expanding domestic revenues, and mobilizing domestic and external investment. A special Investment Promotion Council has been established to expedite investment decisions with 28 priority projects identified in the agriculture, mining, energy and IT sectors.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and connectivity
Pakistan is actively pursuing the second phase of CPEC, which covers railway, infrastructure and manufacturing projects. The country is also looking forward to implementing “connectivity” projects with Central Asia.
Regional peace and relations with India
The Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan’s desire for peaceful and productive relations with all its neighbors, including India. He emphasized that Kashmir remains key to peace between the two countries and called for implementation of Security Council resolutions, including a UN-supervised referendum in Jammu and Kashmir.
Afghanistan’s peace and counterterrorism efforts
Pakistan considers peace in Afghanistan a strategic imperative and advocates humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people. The country’s priority is prevention and counter-terrorism, taking the necessary steps to combat externally promoted terrorism while seeking cooperation from Kabul.
Global conflict and Palestine
The Prime Minister welcomed progress in ending the conflict in Syria and Yemen and expressed hope for normalization between Saudi Arabia and Iran. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for the two-state solution of Israel-Palestine, which shares previous borders in June 1967, and for the Palestinian capital of al-Quds al-Sharif.
UN Peacekeeping and Combating Terrorism
Pakistan highlighted its significant contribution to United Nations peacekeeping missions and emphasized the need to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers, especially in the face of complex challenges from criminal and terrorist groups. Pakistan proposed the creation of a General Assembly committee to oversee the implementation of the global counter-terrorism strategy.
Combating Islamophobia and Promoting Diversity
The Prime Minister noted the rise in Islamophobia and called for action to combat it. He emphasized the importance of valuing and celebrating diversity while respecting religious symbols, scriptures and figures.
Strengthening multilateralism for a peaceful world
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of effective multilateralism within the United Nations framework to address global challenges. He advocated reducing preeminent power competition, ensuring compliance with the United Nations Charter, implementing Security Council resolutions, addressing the root causes of conflict, and respecting principles such as the prohibition of the use of force, self-determination, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
conclusion
The Prime Minister of Pakistan emphasized the importance of global cooperation and joint action to address urgent issues at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly. From economic stability to climate change, regional conflict and terrorism, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of uniting for a more equitable and peaceful world. His call to action serves as a reminder of the UN’s important role in promoting international cooperation and solving complex global problems.
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