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In his historic address to the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Prime Minister of Pakistan emphasized the critical importance of global cooperation in the face of pressing challenges. The speeches covered a variety of topics, from the economic outlook to climate change, regional conflicts and the need to combat terrorism and extremism.
![This infographic presents highlights of the speech by the Prime Minister of Pakistan at the 78th United Nations General Assembly. Key points include global challenges, climate change, Pakistan's triple challenge, connectivity and regional peace, global conflicts, UN peacekeeping, combating Islamophobia, etc.](https://maseconomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pakistans-PM-Speech-Highlights-at-the-78th-UN-General-Assembly-683x1024.webp)
Tough times call for collective action
The Prime Minister began by recognizing a tense and pivotal moment in modern history. Conflicts are escalating in multiple regions and tensions between the world’s powers continue to rise. He prioritized geoeconomics over geopolitics and stressed that the world could not tolerate a new Cold War. Rather, global cooperation and collective action are essential to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.
Economic challenges require immediate response
The Prime Minister expressed concern about the bleak outlook for the global economy. Slower growth and the threat that high interest rates could trigger a recession are causing significant economic instability. Exogenous shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict and climate change have devastated many developing countries, reversing decades of development progress. Addressing these economic challenges requires a concerted effort.
Sustainable development goals and debt resolution
The Prime Minister highlighted the commitments made at the recent Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit. Implementing the SDG Stimulus, reallocating unused special drawing rights to development, expanding concessional financing and resolving the debt problems of distressed countries will help achieve global development goals. This is an important step.
Climate change and financial commitment
Pakistan expects to fulfill the climate change commitments made at COP28, primarily by providing more than $100 billion in climate finance annually, with at least half earmarked for adaptation in developing countries. The Prime Minister highlighted the Fund’s operational and loss and damage financing arrangements, while accelerating carbon emissions reduction targets.
Pakistan’s triple challenge: food, fuel and finance
Pakistan faces the triple challenge of food security, energy and economic stability. The effects of climate change, especially severe flooding, are taking a toll on the country. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the commitment of over $10.5 billion to support the 4RF Plan, Pakistan’s comprehensive recovery plan aimed at building resilience.
Economic recovery and investment promotion
The Pakistani government is working towards rapid economic recovery by stabilizing foreign exchange reserves, increasing domestic revenue, and mobilizing domestic and foreign investment. A special Investment Facilitation Council has been established to expedite investment decisions, and 28 priority projects have been identified in the agriculture, mining, energy and IT sectors.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and connectivity
Pakistan is actively moving forward with the second phase of CPEC, which covers railways, infrastructure and manufacturing projects. The country is also looking forward to implementing „connectivity“ projects with Central Asia.
Regional peace and relations with India
The Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan’s desire for peaceful and productive relations with all neighboring countries, including India. He stressed that Kashmir remains key to peace between the two countries and called for the implementation of Security Council resolutions, including a UN-supervised referendum on the population of Jammu and Kashmir.
Peace and counter-terrorism efforts in Afghanistan
Pakistan considers peace in Afghanistan to be a strategic imperative and insists on providing humanitarian aid to the Afghan people. The country’s priority is to prevent and counter terrorism and seeks Kabul’s cooperation in taking necessary steps to combat externally encouraged terrorism.
World conflict and Palestine
The Prime Minister welcomed progress towards ending the conflicts in Syria and Yemen, and expressed hope for normalization between Saudi Arabia and Iran. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for an Israeli-Palestinian two-state solution with the pre-June 1967 border and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital of Palestine.
United Nations peacekeeping and the fight against terrorism
Pakistan underlined its significant contribution to UN peacekeeping operations and stressed the need to ensure the safety and security of peacekeeping forces, especially in the face of complex challenges from criminal and terrorist organizations. Pakistan proposed the creation of a General Assembly committee to oversee the implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
Combating Islamophobia and promoting diversity
The Prime Minister referred to the rise of Islamophobia and called for measures to counter it. He emphasized the importance of respecting and celebrating diversity while respecting religious symbols, scriptures and figures.
Strengthening multilateralism for a peaceful world
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of effective multilateralism within the United Nations framework to address global challenges. He emphasized reducing power struggles, ensuring compliance with the United Nations Charter, implementing Security Council resolutions, addressing the root causes of conflicts, and respecting principles such as non-use of force, self-determination, sovereignty and territorial integrity. insisted.
conclusion
Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s speech at the 78th United Nations General Assembly emphasized the critical need for global cooperation and collective action to address pressing challenges. From economic stability to climate change, regional conflicts and terrorism, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of coming together for a more just and peaceful world. His call to action serves as a reminder of the United Nations‘ critical role in fostering international cooperation and solving complex global problems.
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