New York, 15 December 2022 (TDI): Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto spoke at the UN Security Council (UNSC) open debate on “International peace and security “Reformed Multilateralism” presided over by India on 14 Decemebr 2022.
Foreign Minister while addressing the Presidency of the Security Council stated there is a multinational agenda item of Kashmir left underdressed by the UNSC.
“If you want to see the success of multilateralism and this very Council, surely you can aid in this process, allow the implementation of the resolutions of the UNSC, when it comes to the question of Kashmir, prove multilateralism can succeed, prove that UNSC can succeed and deliver peace in the region”, Foreign Minister added.
While talking at the Security Council, the Foreign Minister put forward Pakistan’s firm belief that the major security problems, including those in our region, can be effectively and peacefully resolved through the active involvement of the Security Council and the Secretary-General.
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Foreign Minister said under the Chairmanship of Pakistan at G77 + China and under the Chairmanship of Egypt at COP27 we saw the victory for multilateralism, developing countries, and climate justice by the addition of the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund.
United Nations must empower multilateralism
Foreign Minister said in this complex world, confronted by multiple threats and challenges, inclusive multilateral processes, within the framework of the UN, offered the most promising prospect for promoting peace and security, economic and social development, and effective responses to the several interlocking global challenges.
The universal global forum, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) must act and play a central role in reinforcing multilateralism and enhancing justice and equity in international relations, Foreign Minister added.
Moreover, he said the world should face existential and foremost threats like COVID Pandemic, climate-induced challenges, and terrorism collectively and multilaterally rather than pursuing narrow national ambitions.
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“The increasing propensity for narrow-minded populism, authoritarianism, we must confront the rise of the ideologies of hate, xenophobia, populist extremism and racial and religious intolerance, including Islamophobia, which imposes discrimination and violence, and even threats of genocide, against vulnerable minorities in certain countries in a collective and multilateral manner” he noted.
While addressing the Presidency of the Security Council, he said the UNSC has the primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security.
Multilateralism under the umbrella of the Security Council offers the most effective approach to promoting peace and resolving conflicts, Foreign Minister.
Foreign Minister stated multilateralism must be based on universal and fundamental principles of the UN Charter – Self-determination, no use of force, non-acquisition of territory, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of States.
The Security Council must seek to resolve the conflict, not merely manage them. Council should address the underlying cause of conflict such as foreign occupation, and suppression of the right of self-determination, the Foreign Minister pointed out.
Expansion of UNSC
Foreign Minister highlighted that 193 members of the United Nations mostly small and medium-sized states need equitable representation through the representation of the Security Council.
Adding new permanent members would reduce the opportunity for the vast number of UN member states to be represented on the Security Council.
We must adhere to the principle of sovereign equality of all-not the superiority of some, Foreign Minister underlined.
Foreign Minister added Pakistan believes in further democratization of the UN and UNSC which can empower the institutes and provide them a moral authority to act and allow the sovereign quality of all and not the superiority of some.
