Pakistan’s UN Envoy Briefs Manhattan University Students on Global Challenges

NEW YORK — Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, hosted a delegation of students from Manhattan University at the Pakistan Mission on Monday. During the comprehensive session, the Ambassador detailed Pakistan’s strategic engagement within the UN system and its stance on pressing regional and international issues.

The Ambassador emphasized that multilateralism, with the United Nations at its core, remains the most effective tool for navigating modern complexities. He noted that while the UN faces systemic hurdles, it serves as an irreplaceable forum for collective action and international legitimacy.

Advocating for UN Reform and Global Equity

A central theme of the discussion was the urgent need for UN Security Council (UNSC) reform. Ambassador Ahmad reiterated Pakistan's firm opposition to the creation of new permanent seats, arguing that such a move would deepen global divisions. Instead, he advocated for:

Expanding Non-Permanent Membership: Increasing representation through the Uniting for Consensus (UfC) framework.
Democratic Accountability: Ensuring the Council is more representative of the wider UN membership.
Efficiency: Streamlining decision-making processes to better address 21st-century threats.

Addressing Emerging Global Risks

The interaction highlighted Pakistan's proactive role in addressing "new frontier" challenges. The Ambassador briefed students on the necessity of international cooperation regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Climate Change.

Ambassador Ahmad praised the students for their insightful questions, noting that their engagement reflected a deep interest in maritime security, water scarcity, and the upcoming selection of the next UN Secretary-General. He concluded by stressing that local knowledge combined with sustainable, multilateral approaches is the only way to ensure long-term global stability