PM Shehbaz Sharif to Attend UN Summit of the Future and Address UN General Assembly
WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to arrive in New York on September 21 to participate in the UN-sponsored Summit of the Future and the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
The Summit of the Future, convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, will take place on September 22-23. The summit aims to enhance global engagement and collaboration among international stakeholders. Following the summit, the UNGA debates will commence on September 24 and run through September 28.
Prime Minister Shehbaz is set to address the General Assembly on September 27, following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech the previous day. Key discussions at the UNGA are expected to revolve around the ongoing Gaza crisis. Since its election to the UN Security Council earlier this year, Pakistan has taken a more prominent role in addressing global concerns, including the situations in Gaza and Kashmir.
During his address, PM Shehbaz is anticipated to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and advocate for a two-state solution. He is also expected to emphasize the importance of implementing UN resolutions on Kashmir, supporting the right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination. Additionally, the Prime Minister is likely to address the issue of cross-border terrorist attacks from Afghanistan.
Speaking after PM Modi, PM Shehbaz will have the opportunity to respond to any remarks made by the Indian Prime Minister.
This upcoming UNGA session will be particularly significant, as it will be the first since the Gaza conflict began. The Summit of the Future has been described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity,” where world leaders will work together to create a new international consensus on addressing global challenges and ensuring a sustainable future.
The summit will reaffirm commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Charter while striving for a revitalized multilateral system that better meets global needs. A key outcome of the summit will be the adoption of the Pact of the Future, a document that focuses on sustainable development, financing for development, international peace and security, science and technology, digital cooperation, youth, future generations, and transforming global governance. Both India and Pakistan are part of a 12-nation group that contributed to drafting this important document.
During his visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz will also hold bilateral meetings with various world leaders to discuss mutual interests. He will attend the annual reception hosted by the US president and engage with prominent members of the Pakistani-American community.
