Peacebuilding essential for lasting peace: Pakistan at UN

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, has stressed that lasting peace cannot be achieved through peacekeeping operations alone, calling for stronger peacebuilding measures to support countries emerging from conflict.

Addressing the UN General Assembly Debate on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace, Ambassador Ahmad said a smooth transition from peacekeeping missions to comprehensive peacebuilding and eventually to nationally led development programmes is essential for ensuring long-term stability.

Statement by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad,
Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN,
At the UN General Assembly Debate on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace
(25 June 2026)
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Madam President,

As a strong supporter of Peacebuilding, Pakistan welcomes the convening… pic.twitter.com/mNrOJOmwkr

— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) June 25, 2026

He emphasized that such a transition requires sustained political commitment, sufficient financial and technical resources, and coordinated support from the international community. "Peacekeeping without peacebuilding cannot sustain peace," he said.

Referring to the 20th anniversary of the Peacebuilding Commission, the ambassador noted that the UN body has played an important role in helping conflict-affected countries consolidate peace and prevent a return to violence. However, he said the international environment has become increasingly challenging over the past two decades.

Ahmad observed that the world is facing a decline in both peacekeeping and peacebuilding opportunities while resources for such efforts continue to shrink. He urged the international community to adopt a comprehensive approach to addressing these challenges and to strengthen its commitment to sustainable peace.

The Pakistani envoy also highlighted the need to tackle the root causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality and weak governance, saying these issues must be addressed to achieve lasting peace and development.

Pakistan has consistently advocated multilateral cooperation at the United Nations for conflict prevention, peacebuilding and sustainable development. The ambassador's remarks come as the UN faces multiple global conflicts alongside growing financial constraints affecting peace operations worldwide.