United Nations, at a recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) plenary meeting, Ambassador Munir Akram, representing Pakistan, emphasized the need for revitalizing the General Assembly’s role and improving the implementation of its resolutions. This joint debate, focusing on the Assembly’s functioning and its global impact, highlighted key areas for reform and enhancement within the UNGA’s operations.

According to Pakistan Mission to United Nations, Ambassador Akram acknowledged the contributions of former co-chairs Ambassador Mitch Fifield of Australia and Ambassador Egriselda González López of El Salvador in the revitalization process. He also welcomed the appointment of Ambassador Cornel Feruta of Romania and Ambassador Menissa Rambally of Saint Lucia as the new co-chairs, expressing confidence in their future contributions.

During the meeting, Akram outlined Pakistan’s alignment with the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and its support for several recommendations aimed at streamlining the UNGA’s agenda, making resolutions more action-oriented, and improving the efficiency of meetings. He stressed that the Assembly’s shortcomings are not due to any lack of authority or inefficient working methods, but rather due to the reluctance of major Member States to allow the Assembly to fully utilize its potential.

Ambassador Akram also highlighted the comprehensive role of the General Assembly under the UN Charter, covering a wide range of global issues including peace and security, economic and social matters, human rights, and administrative management. He pointed out the Assembly’s authority in cases where the Security Council is unable to act, citing the recent adoption of resolution ES10/21 regarding the conflict in the Middle East.

In addition, Akram called for the Security Council to be more accountable to the General Assembly, especially in matters involving Chapter VII of the UN Charter. He suggested that the General Assembly establish a dedicated mechanism to monitor the implementation of its resolutions, and emphasized the need for the Assembly to reassert its role in international law-making and treaty negotiation.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of Pakistan’s commitment to working with the new co-chairs and other Member States to achieve the objectives of revitalizing the UNGA and enhancing its global role.