WASHINGTON: The UN Security Council on Thursday adopted a presidential statement initiated by Pakistan, urging countries to maintain diplomatic engagement even after armed conflicts have erupted and calling for sustained efforts to secure ceasefires, prevent escalation and pave the way for lasting political settlements.

The statement, titled “The Role of Diplomacy during Active Hostilities”, emphasises that diplomatic engagement remains essential during wars to protect civilians, contain violence, prevent conflicts from spreading and facilitate humanitarian assistance.

It calls on countries to use mediation, good offices and direct and indirect communication between warring parties to reduce tensions and create opportunities for negotiations, even when military operations are underway.

The statement was adopted under the November presidency of Latvia’s Ambassador Sanita Pavluta-Deslandes, who is presiding over the Security Council this month.

The statement emphasises that diplomatic engagement remains essential during wars to protect civilians and prevent conflicts from spreading

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, welcomed the adoption, describing it as an important contribution to international efforts to promote peaceful conflict resolution.

“The message of this Presidential Statement is both simple and powerful: Diplomacy must not end when hostilities begin. Indeed, it becomes even more indispensable,” he said in a press stakeout following the adoption.

The Pakistani initiative builds on Security Council Resolution 2788, unanimously adopted during Pakistan’s presidency of the Council in July 2025, which reaffirmed the importance of peaceful settlement of international disputes under the UN Charter.

The latest statement extends that framework by focusing specifically on diplomatic engagement after armed confrontations have begun, a period when communication between opposing sides often breaks down and the risk of further escalation increases.

Communication channels

The Council emphasises the importance of maintaining communication channels between parties to armed conflicts, both directly and through intermediaries. Such contacts can help prevent miscalculations, facilitate de-escalation and provide opportunities for political negotiations.

“Through good offices, open channels of communication and continued dialogue, diplomacy can provide a vital bridge from confrontation to de-escalation and peaceful settlement,” Ambassador Shah said.

The statement identifies several practical objectives for diplomatic engagement during active hostilities, including facilitating cessations of hostilities, ensuring safe and unhindered humanitarian access, protecting civilians and reducing the danger of conflicts widening into regional or international confrontations.

It also stresses that efforts to stop fighting should not be treated as an end in themselves. Diplomatic and political engagement must continue after a cessation of hostilities to achieve a durable political settlement.

In an important emphasis on the responsibilities of conflicting parties, the Council says the principal responsibility for peaceful settlement rests with them. Their full participation and genuine commitment to resolving disputes, including their underlying causes, are essential for achieving and sustaining peace.

The statement also recognises the contribution of individual UN member states that undertake diplomatic initiatives during armed conflicts. It encourages them to continue using mediation, good offices and diplomatic engagement to reduce tensions and facilitate transitions from confrontation to peaceful resolution.

Regional and subregional organisations are also identified as important contributors to conflict resolution. The Council welcomes efforts to strengthen their mediation capacities and encourages closer cooperation between them and the United Nations.

The statement further highlights the role of the UN Secretary-General in using his good offices, along with those of his representatives, special envoys and UN mediators, to promote dialogue and peaceful settlements.

It encourages the Secretary-General to continue supporting diplomatic efforts before and during armed conflicts, including initiatives aimed at de-escalation and sustainable political solutions.

The Council also reaffirms that diplomatic efforts must remain consistent with the UN Charter, international law and relevant Security Council resolutions. It recognises the role of other UN organs in supporting peaceful dispute settlement, including the International Court of Justice in adjudicating disputes where states have consented to its jurisdiction.

Ambassador Shah said the adoption brought together the Council’s experience in dealing with individual conflict situations under a common thematic framework, providing a political reference point for diplomatic initiatives in ongoing and future conflicts.

“Today’s adoption represents a meaningful contribution to the Council’s thematic body of work,” he said.

He described the initiative as reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism, dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes.

The Council has also requested the Secretary-General to continue promoting diplomacy, mediation and peaceful dispute settlement and to keep it informed, as appropriate, about efforts in this regard.

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2026