New york: Pakistan officially assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of July, marking a pivotal moment in its current tenure as a non-permanent member which began on January 1. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN, will lead the Security Council as its president this month, underscoring Pakistan's commitment to fostering peace and adherence to international law.
According to Anadolu Agency, Ambassador Ahmad highlighted the key priorities for Pakistan during its presidency in a news conference. He stressed the importance of peaceful dispute resolution and the application of international law, emphasizing that Pakistan's leadership will be characterized by transparency, inclusivity, and responsiveness. Ahmad noted that Pakistan is committed to upholding the principles of the UN Charter and will actively engage member states in the decision-making process.
High-level sessions have been scheduled, with the first major event set for July 22, focusing on promoting international peace through multilateralism and peaceful dispute resolution. This session will be chaired by Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar. A second session on July 24 will explore UN collaboration with regional organizations, featuring a briefing involving the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The issue of Palestine will be a significant focus, with plans to elevate discussions on the Israel-Palestine conflict to the ministerial level. Ahmad emphasized the council's duty to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law, expressing hope for a constructive outcome that could contribute to a ceasefire, peace, and stability in the region. He also called for the resumption of the postponed conference on the two-state solution, stressing the importance of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The presidency of the Security Council rotates monthly among its 15 members in alphabetical order. Pakistan's election as a non-permanent member was supported by 182 out of 193 UN member states in June 2024. The Council includes five permanent members with veto power-the US, Russia, China, France, and Britain-and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. This marks Pakistan's eighth tenure on the Security Council, with its last term from 2012 to 2013.