The Diplomatic Insight Magazine for October has now been published.
Editorial
October was a month marked by events that sought to foster cooperation between states and presented opportunities for development. Kazakhstan’s beautiful capital Astana hosted the sixth Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) from October 12-13.
This year marked the 30th anniversary of CICA, and the objective of the states was to form such confidence-building measures that would address human insecurity issues, foster cooperation in the areas of environment and trade, eliminate terrorism, and encourage mutual respect among the states.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif traveled to Astana on 12th October to represent Pakistan at such an important regional intergovernmental organization for the Summit. Apart from sharing his views on Pakistan’s longstanding support for the forum and relationship with Kazakhstan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan has made important remarks. He has also met several heads of state participating on the sidelines of the Summit.
CICA is one of Asia’s most influential regional intergovernmental organizations in Asia. With 27 member countries, nine observer states, and five observer organizations, including five partner organizations, CICA carries a vital weight at the regional level. The organization aims to promote peace, cooperation, security, and stability in Asia.
With such a massive gathering of nations across Asia, CICA has a vital role, especially in the regional peace and prosperity structures. Over the past three decades, CICA has remained instrumental in bringing forth opportunities for dialogue.
This forum has also reflected Kazakhstan’s more substantial global presence as a country fostering regional and international peace. In a video message, the Secretary-General of the United Nations expressed his gratitude for the partnership with CICA and the pursuit of advancing the shared goal of sustainable development.
In the meeting, the leaders of the CICA states agreed to initiate a structured, inclusive, and transparent negotiation process to transform the conference into a fully functional regional international organization. The summit made progress on creating a suitable environment for regional and sub-regional economic cooperation and inclusive growth of nations.
During the meeting, several decisions and documents were adopted. CICA has also been transformed into a complete full-fledge inter-regional organization with the appointment of the Secretary-General and establishment of the Secretariat for further coordination and moving forward the ideals and missions of CICA.
October is also vital as United Nations celebrates its foundation day. It is important to note that 24 October marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter.
With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being. No other organization like the UN enjoys strong and deep-rooted legitimacy, convening power, and normative impact like the United Nations.
People worldwide put trust and hope in United Nations, especially with a promise to fulfill the ideals of peace, hope, and prosperity. Today, as the world is facing threats of war and climate disasters, among many others, the role of the United Nations is critical.
The urgency for all countries to come together to fulfill the promise of the United Nations has rarely been more significant. However, what has been witnessed at the UN Day is that despite the urgency of the regional and international disasters, the world powers and leaders are clashing and colliding with their own nation-state’s interests.
This geopolitical wrangling and conflicts undermine the core UN agenda for strengthening the multilateral cooperation required to resolve the pressing issues. Kashmir, Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, the crisis in Africa, floods in Pakistan, and dangerous changes in climate worldwide are all asking for immediate joint action beyond the divide.
UN Day, celebrated every year, offers the opportunity to amplify our common agenda and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter that have guided us for the past 77 years. Even after passing more than 77 years, there are questions about the efficacy of the United Nations in enabling peace in the world.
Will the United Nations continue to grow, or will it be the next League of Nations? The war between Ukraine and Russia should be a test case for resolving the conflict justly without succumbing to pressure from any side.
United Nations must also refocus on the attention to resolve the issues, including Kashmir, Yemen, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Palestine, Mali, and others. Climate change is a significant threat to the world; as COP27 Summit is around the corner, the United Nations need to increase efforts to help reduce carbon emissions and take strict measures to improve the cooperation and adaptation of the globally agreed protocols.
United Nations is humanity’s hope in these challenging and tough times, and this hope should continue progressing with a sense of togetherness among all.
