Islamabad (Khyber Mail): The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized an in-house discussion on Pakistan’s upcoming role as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2025-2026 term. The event brought together prominent practitioners and academics to deliberate on the opportunities and challenges ahead.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, outlined the complex and rapidly changing global geopolitical environment. He emphasized the vital role of UNSC members in upholding international peace and security, highlighting Pakistan’s extensive experience from its previous seven terms on the Security Council. Ambassador Mahmood stressed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing the role of the Elected 10 (E-10) members and fostering collaboration amid growing geopolitical tensions.
Participants underscored the importance of Pakistan’s active engagement in UNSC deliberations, advocating key principles such as upholding international law, championing self-determination, implementing UNSC resolutions, and promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes. Additionally, they emphasized the need to strengthen counter-terrorism measures and enhance multidimensional peacekeeping operations under the UN’s banner, a domain where Pakistan has made significant contributions.
The discussion also highlighted Pakistan’s opportunity to use its UNSC membership to bridge divides within the Council, particularly by fostering collaboration between the E-10 and the permanent members (P-5). Participants called for strategic clarity in addressing future UNSC agenda items, especially in light of evolving global and regional dynamics.
Pakistan’s longstanding contributions to UN peacekeeping were recognized as a point of national pride and a critical element of its global responsibilities. Participants stressed that the UNSC membership offers Pakistan a unique platform to address pressing global challenges, advocate for the aspirations of developing nations, and uphold its commitment to the UN Charter and international law.
The event concluded with a collective acknowledgment of the importance of strategic foresight and diplomatic engagement as Pakistan prepares for its term on the UNSC, with the goal of positively shaping global peace and security initiatives.