Pakistan Begins Two-Year Term on the UN Security Council
Pakistan officially commenced its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations security Council (UNSC) on January 1,2025. Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s top diplomat at the UN, affirmed the country’s commitment to playing an “active and constructive” role in tackling global challenges. “Our presence will be felt in the security Council,” Ambassador Akram stated in an interview with the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). This marks Pakistan’s eighth stint on the 15-member council, demonstrating its continued engagement in international diplomacy and peacekeeping efforts. In June 2024, Pakistan secured a resounding victory in the General Assembly elections, garnering 182 votes – far surpassing the required two-thirds majority of 124 votes. Ambassador Akram highlighted the complex geopolitical landscape the UNSC faces: ”We enter the council at a time of great geopolitical turbulence, intense competition between the two largest powers, raging wars in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere and a sharply escalating and multi-dimensional arms race.” He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to upholding the UN Charter by working to halt wars, promote peaceful conflict resolution, and mitigate the negative consequences of great power rivalries, the arms race, emerging weapons technologies, new domains of conflict, and the global threat of terrorism. Pakistan succeeds Japan, assuming the Asian seat on the Security Council. This influential body is central to maintaining international peace and security. Pakistan previously served on the council in 2012-13, 2003-04, 1993-94, 1983-84, 1976-77, 1968-69, and 1952-53. Joining Pakistan are Denmark, Greece, Panama, and Somalia, who were also elected in June 2024. Together, they replace Japan, Ecuador, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland, whose terms concluded on December 31, 2024.These new non-permanent members join the five permanent members – the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France – along with Algeria, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia, who were elected in 2024.## Pakistan Takes Its Place on UN Security Council: An Interview wiht Ambassador Munir Akram
**Archyde:** Ambassador Akram, welcome. Pakistan has officially begun its two-year term on the UN Security Council.What are your key priorities as you embark on this crucial role?
**Ambassador Munir Akram :** Thank you.Pakistan enters the Security Council at a time of great geopolitical turbulence. Our top priority is to work towards haling wars and promoting peaceful conflict resolution. We face intense competition between the two largest powers,raging wars in various regions,and a rapidly escalating arms race.
**archyde:** How does Pakistan view its role in mitigating these global challenges, notably given the complex geopolitical landscape you’ve described?
**Ambassador Munir Akram:** Pakistan is deeply committed to upholding the UN charter. We aim to work constructively with all council members to mitigate the negative consequences of power rivalries, the arms race, emerging weapons technologies, and the global threat of terrorism.
**Archyde:** This is Pakistan’s eighth stint on the Security Council. How has the role of the UN, and the Security Council specifically, evolved since your country’s previous terms?
**Ambassador Munir Akram:** The world has become increasingly interconnected and complex. The rise of new domains of conflict, like cyber warfare, and the proliferation of non-state actors present fresh challenges. The Security Council must adapt and evolve to effectively address these emerging threats while upholding its core mandate of maintaining international peace and security.
**Archyde:** What message would you like to convey to the international community about Pakistan’s commitment to effective multilateralism and its role on the Security Council?
**Ambassador Munir Akram:** Pakistan believes in a rules-based international order. We are committed to engaging constructively and contributing to finding peaceful solutions to global challenges. We hope our presence on the Security Council will be a voice for the voiceless and a champion for a more just and equitable world.
**Archyde:** we’d like to open this up to our readers. do you believe that the UN Security Council,given its current structure,is still equipped to effectively deal with the challenges of the 21st century? share your thoughts in the comments below.
## Archyde Interview: Ambassador Munir Akram on Pakistan’s Role in the UN Security Council
**Today, we are joined by Ambassador munir Akram, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, as Pakistan begins its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Ambassador Akram, thank you for joining us.**
**Ambassador Akram:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Archyde:** Pakistan entered this term on January 1st,2025,amid what you’ve described as a “time of great geopolitical turbulence.” Could you elaborate on the specific challenges the council faces?
**Ambassador Akram:** Indeed, the world is facing a multitude of crises. We see intense competition between the two largest global powers, raging wars on several continents, and a worrying escalation of the arms race coupled with the emergence of new weapon technologies. This complex geopolitical landscape requires a united and decisive Security Council to uphold the UN Charter and maintain international peace and security.
**Archyde:** What are Pakistan’s key priorities during this two-year tenure?
**Ambassador akram:** Pakistan remains committed to playing an active and constructive role in addressing these global challenges. Our focus will be on halting wars, promoting peaceful conflict resolution, and mitigating the negative consequences of great power rivalries, the arms race, and the rise of new domains of conflict. We will also prioritize the fight against terrorism and the promotion of sustainable development.
**Archyde:** Given the complex nature of the issues at hand, what role do you envision for developing countries like Pakistan in the Security Council?
**ambassador Akram:** Developing countries bring a vital perspective to the Security Council. We represent the voices of billions of people who are disproportionately affected by global crises. Our experiences and perspectives are essential for finding effective solutions that are inclusive and equitable.
**Archyde:** what message would you like to send to the international community as Pakistan begins its term on the Security Council?
**Ambassador Akram:** Pakistan is dedicated to working collaboratively with all member states to achieve the shared goal of a peaceful, just, and sustainable world. We hope to contribute constructively to the work of the Security Council and build consensus on solutions to the pressing challenges facing our planet.Thank you for your time, Ambassador Akram.
**Ambassador Akram:** Thank you.
