ISLAMABAD: In a significant diplomatic achievement, Pakistan has taken over the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the month of July 2025. This development reflects Islamabad’s growing global engagement and influence on multilateral platforms.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the development in a post on X, stating, “Pakistan assumes the Presidency of the UN Security Council for July 2025, during its 8th term (2025–26) as an elected member of the UNSC.” He added that Pakistan approaches this role with “humility, conviction, and profound commitment” to the UN Charter, international law, and multilateralism.
This marks Pakistan’s eighth term as a non-permanent member of the 15-member Security Council. The UNSC, widely regarded as the most powerful UN body, consists of five permanent members — the US, UK, Russia, France, and China — and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.
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Focus on Peace, Dialogue, and Diplomacy
Taking the reins at a time of intense global conflict and humanitarian crises, Pakistan has vowed to prioritize diplomacy and peaceful dispute resolution during its month-long presidency.
Foreign Minister Dar emphasized Pakistan’s intentions, stating, “We will strive to steer the Security Council towards responsive and effective action grounded in dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful dispute resolution.” His comments come amid increasing global tensions, including wars in Gaza, Ukraine, and escalating geopolitical rivalries in the Indo-Pacific.
Pakistan’s presidency also follows its recent appointment as vice-chair of the UNSC’s Counter-Terrorism Committee, which oversees the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) — a landmark measure that focuses on international cooperation against terrorism.
Analysts say Pakistan’s back-to-back roles in the UNSC highlight a shifting diplomatic narrative — from one often dominated by regional security concerns to a more proactive, solution-oriented presence on the global stage.
Ambassador Kamran Akhtar Elected UNIDO President
In a related diplomatic milestone, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, Ambassador Kamran Akhtar, has been elected President of the 53rd session of the Industrial Development Board (UNIDO). This is the first time Islamabad has held the position.
According to the Foreign Office, “The election manifests the trust reposed in Pakistan by UNIDO Member States.” The FO added that Pakistan maintains one of the largest portfolios at UNIDO, with current and upcoming projects worth over €350 million.
Ambassador Akhtar expressed gratitude to the member states for their support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to inclusive and sustainable industrial development, especially in developing countries, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
UNIDO has played a pivotal role in supporting Pakistan’s key sectors, including textiles, fisheries, food safety, climate resilience, and renewable energy. Flagship projects like PAIDAR and PAFAID have contributed significantly to poverty alleviation, job creation, and sustainable rural growth.
Together, these achievements underscore Pakistan’s increasing stature in global governance forums, with a renewed focus on peace, industrial development, and multilateral cooperation.
