NEW YORK: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for China’s Global Governance Initiative during the first meeting of the Group of Friends of Global Governance.
Global context and urgent challenges
He outlined key challenges: protracted conflicts, disrupted supply chains, rising debt distress, and widening inequalities. He also cited climate change as an intensifying and cross-cutting threat. Consequently, he argued, the world needs coordinated, modern governance mechanisms. Moreover, he said, the Initiative offers a timely blueprint to manage these interlocking crises.
Ambassador Ahmad praised President Xi Jinping’s leadership and vision for global governance reform. He described the Initiative as pragmatic, drawing on proven governance practices and modernization. Furthermore, he said the Initiative aims to deliver tangible, people-centered results. He urged members to translate the Initiative’s ideas into measurable policy action.
Pakistan’s endorsement and shared priorities
As a strategic partner of China, Pakistan pledged full support for the Initiative. The Ambassador recalled Pakistan’s Prime Minister calling the Initiative historic and timely. He emphasized that the Initiative aligns with Pakistan’s priorities and development goals. In particular, he said, it supports small and developing countries’ calls for fair global outcomes.
Ambassador Ahmad highlighted five core principles underpinning the Initiative. These principles include sovereign equality, rule of law, multilateralism, people-centered policies, and practical results. He added that these pillars match Pakistan’s view of a fairer world order. Therefore, he urged collective reforms that reject privilege and divisive proposals.
He stressed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and people’s right to self-determination. He called for reforms that reflect all countries’ interests, especially developing states. Accordingly, he invited members to pursue win-win outcomes through inclusive diplomacy. He emphasized accountability and equity as essential to any governance reform.
Cooperation and forward action
Ambassador Asim Iftekhar Ahmad praised China’s wider agenda, including global development and security initiatives. He noted China’s vision of a “Community with a Shared Future for Mankind.”
He listed complementary initiatives: Global Development, Global Security, and Global Civilization.
Ambassador Asim affirmed Pakistan’s readiness to collaborate across these linked initiatives. Finally, Ambassador Ahmad assured the Group that Pakistan will actively support practical cooperation. He urged members to convert principles into concrete, measurable programs.
In closing, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to strengthen multilateral diplomacy and global governance. He thanked the chair and participants for their leadership and engagement.