Munir urges return to UN principles

The proliferation of global and regional conflicts like those in Gaza, Ukraine, Africa, South Asia, and the South China Sea, are stark indicators of the erosion of the international peace and security order, Pakistan's UN Ambassador Munir Akram has said, as he voiced "deep concern" over the grave challenges confronting the world.

Speaking to a group of Fulbright scholars at the Pakistan Mission on Wednesday, he underscored the need for adhering to the principles and purposes enshrined in the UN Charter for ensuring global peace and stability, according to a mission's press release.

However, Ambassador Akram warned that persistent violations of these principles have exposed the world to unprecedented risks, saying that the failure of the multilateral system to address these conflicts underscores the need for a renewed commitment to the core tenets of international cooperation.

The visiting Fulbright scholars belonging to different countries, including Pakistan, are studying for their Master's and PhD degrees in different American universities.

Discussing the UN Secretary-General initiative of the Summit of the Future (SOTF), which will be held next month, Ambassador Akram said that it aims to build a new global consensus for multilateral action to tackle emerging challenges.

However, he cautioned that the UN multilateral system faces inherent structural problems, such as the use of veto power, which have hindered its ability to deliver on its mandate.