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On October 24th, the global community comes together to honor the founding of the United Nations (UN). This day allows us to reflect on the guiding principles that have shaped global governance for nearly 80 years. UN Day commemorates the anniversary of the UN Charter’s implementation in 1945. This historic moment laid the foundation for international collaboration in a world that has become ever more interconnected. In 2024, the theme is “The Future We Want; the UN We Need! Reaffirming Our Collective Commitments to Multilateralism.” This theme underscores the crucial role of global solidarity, including Pakistan’s UN Engagement, in addressing the challenges of today and tomorrow.
UN Day is more than a celebration; it is a reaffirmation of shared global values such as peace, justice, human rights, and sustainable development.
As the UN tackles evolving global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and inequality, this day provides an opportunity to assess how multilateralism can offer solutions to these complex issues. The UN’s primary purpose, as established in its Charter, is to prevent conflict. It aims to promote peace and protect human rights and dignity. Over the years, the UN has served as a forum for dialogue, uniting countries to confront pressing global problems.
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Pakistan’s UN Engagement: Advocacy for Multilateralism
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, the importance of the UN remains undeniable. Its commitment to “leaving no one behind” resonates strongly as nations grapple with transnational issues like climate change, terrorism, and public health emergencies. Multilateralism is essential in achieving collective goals such as peace, security, and prosperity for all.
Since joining the UN in 1947, Pakistan has remained a staunch advocate for peace, security, and international cooperation. The country’s foreign policy is grounded in multilateralism, highlighting the need for global collaboration to address issues ranging from conflict resolution to sustainable development. Pakistan’s active engagement in UN platforms illustrates its belief in diplomacy’s potential to foster international harmony.
One of Pakistan’s most significant contributions to the UN is its involvement in peacekeeping missions.
As one of the largest troop-contributing countries, Pakistan has deployed over 235,000 troops across 48 missions in 29 countries.
Pakistan and UN Peacekeeping
Pakistani peacekeepers have served in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones, consistently demonstrating courage and professionalism. Moreover, their contributions have been crucial in stabilizing war-torn regions, restoring law and order, and facilitating political transitions. Currently, over 2,600 Pakistani peacekeepers are deployed in seven UN missions. They work in various capacities, including infantry, engineering, aviation, and military observation. Furthermore, the sacrifices made by Pakistani peacekeepers are significant; a total of 181 peacekeepers have given their lives in the line of duty. These sacrifices, in turn, reflect Pakistan’s deep commitment to global peace.
Pakistan’s foreign policy has long emphasized peaceful dispute resolution, as seen in its enduring advocacy for resolving the Kashmir issue according to UN Security Council resolutions. Pakistan has consistently pushed for diplomatic solutions to conflicts and actively promotes peace in international forums. The country views the UN as the most legitimate body for conflict resolution and diplomacy, and it continues to call for stronger multilateral efforts to address lingering disputes.
Despite challenges such as the changing global landscape affecting peacekeeping operations, Pakistan remains dedicated to the UN’s peacekeeping agenda. Pakistani troops have been instrumental in stabilizing societies ravaged by war. They ensure that law and order are reestablished. Their efforts allow political processes to take place in secure environments. This situation reflects Pakistan’s enduring belief in the UN’s ability to prevent conflicts. It also highlights the UN’s role in protecting civilians and maintaining peace through collective international efforts.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Sustainable Development
Pakistan is also a strong supporter of the UN’s 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a developing nation, Pakistan faces its own challenges, including poverty, inequality, and energy insecurity. Despite these issues, the country has made notable progress in aligning its national policies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Pakistan recognizes that achieving sustainable development requires global cooperation. It continues to advocate for joint efforts in areas such as poverty eradication, education, gender equality, and clean energy.
In addition, Pakistan has been a vocal proponent of UN reforms to ensure that global governance structures are more inclusive and representative of today’s world. Current political and economic imbalances in international institutions remain a concern, and Pakistan has consistently called for equitable reforms. These reforms should not solely benefit powerful member states but should also give voice to smaller, less developed nations. This aligns with Pakistan’s vision for a fairer international order where marginalized communities are empowered and have a say in global decision-making.
A Unified Response to Climate Change and Pandemics
The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the need for global cooperation in addressing transnational challenges. Pakistan played a proactive role, advocating for equitable vaccine distribution and financial support for developing nations. The pandemic showed that no single country, regardless of its resources, can face global challenges alone. Pakistan strongly believes that multilateral institutions like the UN are crucial platforms for shared responsibility and collective action in addressing global threats like pandemics, climate change, and terrorism.
As the world confronts the growing threat of climate change, Pakistan has become increasingly vocal about the need for international cooperation to mitigate its impacts. The country has already felt the severe effects of climate-related disasters, including floods and droughts, and acknowledges that climate change is a global issue that requires a global response. Pakistan remains committed to working with the international community to address these challenges, reaffirming its faith in multilateralism as a means to build a better future.
Shaping the Future We Want
On this UN Day, Pakistan reaffirms its dedication to the principles of multilateralism, cooperation, and collective action. While the world faces unprecedented challenges, institutions like the UN provide hope for a safer, more just, and sustainable future. As a firm supporter of peace, diplomacy, and sustainable development, Pakistan remains committed to working with the global community to achieve the goals of peace, security, and prosperity for all. Through multilateralism, we can shape “The Future We Want” and build “The UN We Need,” creating a better world for future generations.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of the South Asia Times.
