PM Shehbaz Sharif to Address Key Global Issues at UN General Assembly

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to join world leaders at the United Nations next week, where he will reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and the pivotal role of the UN in promoting global peace, security, and prosperity. The premier will address the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 27.

According to a curtain raiser issued by the Foreign Office on Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will address several critical global issues. He is expected to emphasize the need to resolve long-standing matters on the UN Security Council’s agenda, such as the Palestine and Kashmir disputes. Additionally, he will highlight the importance of addressing inequities in international economic relations and advocate for reforming the global financial architecture.

The prime minister will also call for decisive international action on climate change and countering the rising tide of Islamophobia. “The UN General Assembly’s High-Level segment offers a crucial platform for Pakistan to highlight its perspectives on important issues of regional and international importance,” the Foreign Office stated. Shehbaz will underscore Pakistan’s priority to place people at the center of both domestic and global development agendas.

On the sidelines of the UNGA session, PM Shehbaz will participate in several high-level meetings, including a ‘High-Level Meeting on Existential Threat Posed by Sea-level Rise’ and the UN Security Council’s Open Debate on ‘Leadership for Peace’. He will also engage with global leaders to discuss advancing the sustainable development agenda.

Bilateral meetings are scheduled with several world leaders, including the UN Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly. Although no formal meeting with President Joe Biden is planned, both leaders are expected to interact informally at various events, including a reception hosted by the US President.