NEW YORK: The proliferation of international and regional conflicts like those in Gaza, Africa, Ukraine, South Asia, and the South China Sea, are stark indicators of the erosion of the global peace and security order, Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Munir Akram stated, as he expressed “deep concern” over the grave challenges facing the world.
Speaking to a group of Fulbright scholars at the Pakistan Mission, the envoy highlighted the need for adhering to the principles and purposes enshrined in the UN Charter for ensuring international peace and stability.
However, he warned that persistent violations of these principles have exposed the world to unparalleled risks, adding that the failure of the multilateral system to resolve these conflicts underscores the need for a renewed resolve to the core tenets of global cooperation.
The visiting scholars belonging to different nations, including Pakistan, are studying for their Master’s and PhD degrees in different universities in the US.
Discussing the UN Secretary-General initiative of the Summit of the Future (SOTF), which will be organized next month, the envoy said that it aims to build a new world consensus for multilateral action to tackle emerging issues and challenges.
Issue of Kashmir
However, he cautioned that the UN multilateral system faces inherent structural issues, such as the use of veto power, which have delayed its ability to deliver on its mandate. Ambassador Akram identified a range of interconnected international challenges, including climate change, the deepening technological divide, unequal access to development finance for developing nations, and the looming threat of nuclear conflict. The Ambassador warned that these challenges and issues are darkening the international security landscape and need immediate and coordinated international action.
Focusing on South Asia, Pakistani envoy reiterated that the region remains a nuclear flashpoint due to the unresolved dispute over Jammu and Kashmir. He also underscored the need for a just and lasting resolution to this issue to ensure regional peace and stability.
