24 October has been celebrated as UN day since 1948 across the world. Since its inception, Pakistan has positioned itself as a staunch advocate for multilateralism, diplomacy, and international cooperation, particularly through its active involvement in the United Nations (UN). Pakistan’s contribution towards global peace, stability and prosperity, while upholding the principles of the charter has been exemplary. The theme “The Future We Want; the UN We Need! Reaffirming Our Collective Commitments to Multilateralism” aligns perfectly with Pakistan’s foreign policy, rooted in principles of peace, collaboration, and sustainable development. In today’s world, marked by complex global challenges, Pakistan recognizes that fostering peace, security, and prosperity for everyone requires unwavering global solidarity. Pakistan’s commitment and participation in the UN is across-the board. It has actively participated in discussions at the UN on a host of issues including human rights, developments, environment, climate change and international law.
Pakistan is committed to a world in which upholding human dignity is the highest value and maintaining global peace a sacred duty. Over the last 76 years, Pakistan has put this vision into practice by making significant contributions to the principles and purposes of the UN charter, in particular the promotion and maintenance of international peace and security as a member of security council and through its contribution to UN peacekeeping. One of Pakistan’s most significant contributions to the UN is its long-standing role in peacekeeping operations. As one of the largest troop-contributing countries, Pakistan has deployed over 235,000 troops across 48 missions in 29 countries, often in some of the world’s most volatile regions. This commitment underscores Pakistan’s belief in the UN’s ability to prevent conflicts, protect civilians, and maintain peace through collective action. The sacrifices made by Pakistani peacekeepers—181 of whom have paid the ultimate price—demonstrate the nation’s dedication to promoting peace beyond its borders.
But Pakistan’s involvement in peacekeeping is about more than just numbers. The effectiveness of its troops in stabilizing war-torn societies, maintaining law and order, and facilitating successful political transitions has garnered international recognition. Currently, over 2,600 Pakistani peacekeepers are actively deployed in seven UN missions, contributing not just through infantry but also engineering and aviation support. This commitment reflects Pakistan’s understanding of the interconnectedness of security and development. Pakistan’s commitments are evident in a way that it has been elected eight times as a member of UNSC, with its most recent term set for 2025-2026.
However, Pakistan’s engagement with the UN comes with challenges. Modern peacekeeping missions often face complex hurdles, including diminishing operational space and evolving threats, which demand continuous adaptation and innovation. Despite these obstacles, Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to peacekeeping, advocating for peaceful resolutions through diplomatic means. This is particularly evident in its efforts to address the Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions, illustrating Pakistan’s belief in the UN’s potential to mediate international conflicts.
Additionally, Pakistan is a strong proponent of the UN’s 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The nation is actively integrating these global goals into its national development framework, prioritizing issues like poverty eradication, quality education, gender equality, and clean energy. This commitment reflects an understanding that sustainable development is a shared global challenge that requires collaboration among nations. Pakistan’s focus on these issues is not only about its internal priorities but also a recognition of the broader imperatives facing the world.
Alongside its peacekeeping and development efforts, Pakistan advocates for comprehensive reforms within the UN to enhance global governance. The nation emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and representative framework that addresses existing economic and political imbalances in international institutions. Pakistan’s vision for a more equitable global order underscores the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalized populations and ensuring that smaller, less developed nations are integral to global decision-making processes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the necessity of global cooperation in addressing transnational threats. Pakistan played a proactive role in advocating for equitable access to vaccines and financial support for developing countries during this crisis. The pandemic has illustrated that no nation can effectively tackle global challenges—be it health crises, climate change, or international terrorism—alone. Pakistan’s efforts of rescuing 2000 people in Congo floods and services of women peacekeepers in the fight against COVID were widely hailed. Where other countries’ peacekeeping record is marred by incidents ranging from theft and misappropriation to as abhorrent acts such as abuse and rape, Pakistan’s record, for most part, has been immaculate. Indeed, that is why, Pakistan’s Blue Helmets’ performance has been widely acknowledged by both the UN leadership and world leaders.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s role in the United Nations exemplifies a deep commitment to the principles of multilateralism and global cooperation. As we face unprecedented challenges—from geopolitical tensions to environmental crises—Pakistan reaffirms its dedication to collective global action, grounded in the ideals enshrined in the UN Charter. The future we envision—a world that is safer, more equitable, and sustainable—depends on our shared commitment to fostering multilateralism. Pakistan stands ready to contribute to this vision, embodying the belief that through cooperation and solidarity, we can indeed build “The Future We Want” and ensure “The UN We Need.” Navigating the complexities of the 21st century, it’s clear that the path to global peace and prosperity is paved with collaboration, understanding, and an unwavering commitment to shared goals. Pakistan’s active engagement in the UN not only serves as a model for other nations but also serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of unity in the face of adversity. In our interconnected world, our destinies are intertwined, and it is through multilateralism that we can achieve meaningful progress for all.
