Pakistan at the UN

The United Nations is the platform where nations around the world gather to deliberate and work on possible solutions to the most pressing global issues related to security and cooperation for world peace. On the one hand, the UN has shown effectiveness and influence in resolving key issues, while on the other hand, it has faced multiple challenges and criticism.

Pakistan’s position at the UN has been steady and effective in many ways, and the country has significantly contributed in maintaining peace around the world through the UN platforms. However, with shifting global scenarios, and the emergence of a multipolar world order, Pakistan essentially needs to revamp and reconfigure its position to enhance its standing and influence at the UN.

The UN is a construct of various bodies and mechanisms which come together to provide platforms to the member states. Over the years, it has evolved into an influential body. This change is directly proportional to the various political transformations that have taken place in the regions around the globe.

New players have emerged at the UN who were possibly not as effective earlier as they are now. Middle Eastern states like the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and other countries like Turkiye, have created substantial diplomatic space for themselves. China, Russia and India are also navigating new ways through which they can enhance their prestige at the global stage. In this backdrop, Pakistan finds itself in an environment that is both challenging and promising.

In order to enhance its global standing at the UN and to keep pace with the global and regional competition, Pakistan needs to focus on a few key areas. The first is to enhance its diplomatic engagement. Strengthening bilateral relations is at the heart of multilateralism. Relations can be strengthened in various ways – economic, financial and diplomatic. The most innovative and effective way to enhance the diplomatic clout is through active participation in UN committees and bodies.

UN committees are forums where significant issues are discussed by inviting key members and likeminded states. Arranging an event at the UN is one thing, but to make it effective is a different ball game altogether. Pakistan must focus on spearheading effective events that can reassert its foreign policy agenda at the UN.

Effectiveness must be measured through the endorsements Pakistan garners through likeminded states and diplomatic alliances. Often it is observed that financial restraints are given as an apology for not being able to arrange effective events. That might be partially true, but innovative and out-of-the-box thinking coupled with proactive diplomacy can deliver efficient results. It’s not only money, as generally perceived, but homework, prior arrangements and a well-thought-out plan that bring the desired results.

The UAE, Qatar and Turkiye along with the UK must be taken as case studies for committee-oriented effectiveness. Moreover, Pakistan must devise its own unique and inimitable UN strategy.

Second is leveraging regional issues. In the last two decades, Pakistan has played an effective role in regional peace and security. Pakistan, along with Qatar, played a significant role in bringing the Afghan Taliban and the US to the talks table. This helped the US in ending its longest and costliest war in Afghanistan. This crucial diplomatic role played by Pakistan must be reaffirmed by bringing it at UN events.

Pakistan must champion regional stability and security at the UN and the regional level. The country’s strategic location and diplomatic maneuvering has helped key stakeholders in the region to address a complex issue like Afghanistan. Moreover, Pakistan must bring up the issue of terrorism originating from Afghanistan. It is crucial to realize that countries don’t grow alone but that regions grow, and it is time for the global and regional community to assist Pakistan in addressing the issue of terrorism in Afghanistan.

The UN has a diverse landscape. It has evolved over the years. International non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and the civil society play a key role in managing this environment. Therefore, it is important that multiple stakeholders should be reached to foster Pakistan’s case at the UN.

Additionally, multilateralism is the key. It is a game of consistency, coordination and hard work. An annual speech at the UN will not bring results, unless there is prior hard work done to support it. Diplomacy at the UN requires consistent effort to communicate with a relevant and consistent communication strategy. Pakistan must identify key issues that can resonate with the global community and share global and regional issues.

Lastly, the power of storytelling in the digital age is crucial for states to garner global audience and alliances. Pakistan must utilize the UN’s platforms to project its stories of resilience, counterterrorism, efforts regarding climate change, and how young people are driving positive change in areas like technology and science.

Projecting Pakistan’s image at the UN is not just about managing public perception but also about growing its influence globally through effective diplomacy and proactive engagement.

The writer holds a PhD in international relations, and is based in New York. He tweets/posts @ShamilTaimur