Pakistan Begins UN Security Council Term, Pledges Active Role
Pakistan commenced its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on January 1, 2025. This marks the nation’s eighth time serving on the influential 15-member body. The Pakistani delegation, led by Ambassador Munir Akram, has pledged an active and constructive approach to tackling pressing global issues.
“Our presence will be felt in the Security Council,” Ambassador Akram, Pakistan’s top UN diplomat, stated to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
Pakistan secured its seat in June 2024 with an overwhelming victory, garnering 182 votes out of a possible 193 in the UN General Assembly. This decisive win far surpassed the required two-thirds majority.
Ambassador Akram acknowledged the complex geopolitical landscape, stating, “We enter the council at a time of great geopolitical turbulence, intense competition between the two largest powers, raging wars in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere and a sharply escalating and multi-dimensional arms race.”
He further emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful world order, saying, “As a responsible state — the fifth largest by population — Pakistan will play an active and constructive role, in accordance with the UN charter, to halt wars, promote the pacific settlement of disputes and contain the negative impacts of great power rivalries, the arms race, new weapons and domains of conflict as well as the spreading scourge of terrorism.”
Pakistan’s role on the UNSC will be closely watched,especially given its strategic location and ongoing regional challenges. Its previous terms on the council were in 2012-13, 2003-04, 1993-94, 1983-84, 1976-77, and 1968-69. This latest appointment replaces Japan’s tenure representing the Asian seat.
The implications of Pakistan’s UNSC membership extend beyond South Asia, impacting global discussions on security, peace, and international cooperation. The United States and other nations will be closely observing Pakistan’s actions and contributions during this crucial two-year period.
Pakistan Elected to UN Security Council
The United Nations Security Council has a new member: Pakistan. In a June election at the General Assembly, Pakistan secured a seat alongside Denmark, Greece, Panama, and Somalia. This marks a notable diplomatic achievement for the South Asian nation.
These newly elected nations will replace Japan, Ecuador, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland, whose terms conclude on December 31, 2024. The selection process is a crucial part of maintaining global security cooperation, ensuring a diverse portrayal of perspectives on the Council.
Pakistan’s election to the Security Council carries considerable weight. The Council plays a pivotal role in addressing international conflicts and maintaining global peace and security. Its decisions impact global affairs substantially, influencing everything from sanctions to peacekeeping operations.
Pakistan joins the five permanent members – the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France – each holding veto power. They also join the five non-permanent members elected last year: Algeria, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia. This diverse group brings a range of geopolitical perspectives to the table.
The impact of this election extends beyond Pakistan’s borders. The United states, as a permanent member, will now engage with Pakistan on the Security Council, potentially influencing collaborations on shared concerns such as counterterrorism and regional stability. This dynamic will shape the Council’s approach to various global challenges.
The addition of Pakistan to the UN Security Council is a noteworthy advancement in international relations.The council’s composition reflects the ongoing shifts in global power dynamics and the evolving priorities of the international community. The coming years will reveal how Pakistan’s presence shapes the Council’s agenda and its response to global crises.
The election took place on [Date of Election], marking a significant moment in international diplomacy. The new members will begin their two-year term on January 1, 2025.
Published – January 1, 2025, 1:03 PM IST
