GENEVA: Pakistan has taken over the Presidency of the United Nations Conference on Disarmament (CD) in Geneva, marking a significant moment in the international arms control dialogue. Ambassador Tahir Hussain Andrabi, serving as Additional Secretary (Arms Control and Disarmament) and Spokesperson, is representing Pakistan in leading the meetings.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan’s presidency marks the conclusion of the Conference’s 2026 session, and it will guide the negotiations on the Annual Report of the CD and the resolution in the First Committee of the UN General Assembly. In its role as President, Pakistan has commenced consultations and held meetings with previous Presidents and regional group representatives to discuss the session’s agenda.

The United Nations Conference on Disarmament, housed at the United Nations Office at Geneva, is the world’s central forum for negotiating arms control treaties, involving 65 member states, including nuclear-armed nations. The agenda covers the cessation of the nuclear arms race, prevention of nuclear war, and prevention of the weaponization of outer space, among other urgent global issues.

Historically, the CD and its predecessors have been instrumental in creating significant international security agreements, such as the Biological Weapons Convention, the Chemical Weapons Convention, and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Pakistan’s leadership role in the CD underscores its position in global arms control and disarmament discussions, reflecting the international community’s confidence in its diplomatic capabilities.