UNITED NATIONS, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 2nd Aug, 2026) In a world increasingly fractured by conflict and division, Pakistan has urged young people worldwide to lead global peace efforts and reinforce multilateralism.
Speaking at the UN Headquarters during the opening ceremony of the conference “Future We Want: Global Initiative for Young Leaders,” Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, emphasized youth as indispensable partners in building a secure future.
The event united hundreds of student delegates from around the globe to build consensus-oriented leadership and discuss pressing international challenges.
The initiative was organized by the Italian Diplomatic academy (IDA), which is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC).
The ceremony, under the broader theme: “Empowering Youth to Reinforce Multilateralism: Engaging Youth Leadership in Building a World of Peace,” featured addresses from international diplomats and foundation leadership, focusing on how youth can bridge global divides.
In his remarks, the Pakistan envoy highlighted that international cooperation is vital in today’s interconnected world. He noted that no nation can resolve modern, complex crises on its own, stressing that collective responsibility and inclusive diplomacy are more critical than ever.
Ambassador Asim Ahmad called upon emerging global leaders to channel their energy into collective responsibility, respect for international law, and global institutions.
The conference serves as a platform for international youth to strengthen multilateralism and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Through simulations and committee sessions, attendees are tasked with developing practical diplomatic solutions.
This engagement aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy of empowering its own youth through initiatives focused on AI, the green economy, and global diplomacy.
Ambassador Asim Ahmad encouraged the delegates to leverage their creativity to drive change, urging them to foster mutual understanding and translate ambition into actionable policy.
Pointing out that Friday’s meeting was taking place at a time when armed conflicts, foreign occupation, and deepening polarization continue to cause immense suffering and undermine confidence in international institutions, he said these challenges demand renewed commitment, stronger partnerships, and effective multilateral action in pursuit of peace.
“This is precisely why multilateralism remains indispensable,” the Pakistani envoy said.
Pakistan’s foreign policy, he said, has consistently been guided by the principles of peaceful coexistence, sovereign equality, mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation.
“Coming from South Asia, a region that has experienced the far-reaching consequences of conflict, we understand the immense value of peace and the heavy price paid when it is absent.”
Accordingly, Ambassador Asim Ahmad said Pakistan has consistently championed the peaceful settlement of disputes and preventive diplomacy, , highlighting that during is current tenure as a non-permanent member on the UN Security Council, the Pakistani delegation worked with fellow Council members to strengthen the mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes.
“This collective effort culminated in the unanimous adoption last year of Security Council Resolution 2788 presented by Pakistan on peaceful settlement of disputes.”
During the recent conflict in West Asia between Iran and the United States, he said, Pakistan consistently advocated restraint, dialogue, and de-escalation.
Working with regional and international partners, Pakistan supported diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and creating space for peaceful engagement which culminated in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, reflecting its longstanding belief that diplomacy offers the most durable pathway to peace.
Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a powerful message emphasizing that global challenges demand international solutions.
He urged young leaders to actively shape policy, tackle climate change, and champion human rights.
The UN chief praised the next generation for their unrelenting drive and unyielding focus on sustainable development.
He stressed that the most pressing current issues—ranging from economic uncertainty and the digital divide to the escalating climate crisis—cross national borders and cannot be solved by older generations alone.
In his address, the Secretary-General emphasized that token youth participation is no longer acceptable, and called on global institutions and governments to equip young people with the modern skills required to change the world, including: Critical problem-solving, Digital literacy and AI comprehension, and Active participation in national and global decision-making.
