ISLAMABAD: In a significant diplomatic achievement, Pakistan has taken over the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for July. The development marks another step forward in Islamabad’s growing presence on the global stage.
The presidency comes just weeks after Pakistan was appointed vice-chair of the UNSC’s Counter-Terrorism Committee, which oversees the implementation of Resolution 1373 (2001) related to international counter-terrorism efforts.
Earlier this year, in January, Pakistan began its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the 15-member Council for the 2025–26 period.
The UNSC, widely regarded as the UN’s most powerful body, includes five permanent members — the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France — and ten non-permanent members elected on a rotating basis by geographic region. The Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security and has the authority to pass binding resolutions, impose sanctions, and authorize military interventions.
In a further boost to its diplomatic credentials, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Kamran Akhtar, has been elected President of the 53rd session of the Industrial Development Board (IDB) of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) — a first for Pakistan.
In a statement, the Foreign Office said, “The Director General of UNIDO, while congratulating Ambassador Kamran Akhtar, praised Pakistan’s commitment and contributions to the organization.”
Ambassador Akhtar expressed gratitude to UNIDO member states for their confidence and reiterated his commitment to strengthening the organization’s efforts in promoting industrial development in developing countries, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
“The election reflects the trust reposed in Pakistan by UNIDO member states,” the Foreign Office added. “Pakistan maintains an active diplomatic profile at UNIDO and is committed to the organization’s mandate of inclusive and sustainable industrial development.”
Pakistan holds one of the largest project portfolios within UNIDO, with ongoing and planned initiatives exceeding €350 million. The projects support key sectors such as textiles, leather, fisheries, food safety, climate resilience, and renewable energy.
Flagship programs like PAIDAR and PAFAID have contributed significantly to poverty alleviation, job creation, and sustainable rural development, further strengthening Pakistan’s role in global industrial development and cooperation.
