WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will arrive in New York on Sept 21 to participate in the UN-sponsored Summit of the Future and the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

The Sept 22-23 summit, convened by Secretary General António Guterres, aims to foster enhanced engagement among global stakeholders.

The debate at the UNGA will begin on Sept 24 and run through Sept 28. Prime Minister Shehbaz is slated to address the General Assembly on Sept 27, the day following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address.

The discussions are expected to focus on the Gaza crisis. Following its election to the UN Security Council earlier this year, Pakistan has amplified its role in addressing concerns related to Gaza, Kashmir, etc.

PM Shehbaz is anticipated to stress the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and advocate for a two-state solution. He is also expected to address the Kashmir dispute, urging the implementation of UN resolutions supporting the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.

He is also likely to call for an end to cross-border terrorist attacks from Afghanistan, both at the summit and during his UNGA address.

As he speaks after Mr Modi, PM Shehbaz will have the chance to respond to the Indian PM’s remarks.

The coming UNGA session will be the first since the Gaza conflict began.

The summit, described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” will convene world leaders to forge a new international consensus on tackling global challenges and ensuring a sustainable future.

The summit will reaffirm commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Charter, while striving for a revitalised multilateral system to better address global needs.

A significant outcome of the summit will be the adoption of the Pact of the Future, a document focusing on sustainable development, financing for development, international peace and security, science and technology, digital cooperation, youth, future generations, and transforming global governance. Both India and Pakistan are part of a 12-nation group that contributed to drafting the document.

During his visit, PM Shehbaz will also hold bilateral meetings with various world leaders to discuss mutual interests. He will attend the annual reception hosted by the US president and engage with prominent members of the Pakistani-American community.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2024