Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, addressed the inaugural session of the Group of Friends of Global Governance. He described the establishment of the forum as a timely and valuable step forward, congratulating China and the partner countries on launching the initiative.
Ambassador Iftikhar highlighted that the world today faces a crisis of confidence in multilateral diplomacy, along with prolonged conflicts. He pointed to major global challenges, including disruptions in supply chains, rising debt burdens, and deepening economic inequalities. He further stressed that the world is confronting unprecedented threats such as climate change.
Referring to the Chinese President’s Global Governance Initiative, Ambassador Iftikhar said it provides comprehensive and future-oriented guidance, offering an effective framework for improved global governance and collective action.
He reaffirmed, fully supports this initiative as a strategic partner. He added that Pakistan’s Prime Minister has termed the framework a historic step.
The ambassador emphasized that the new forum will play a vital role in advancing global peace, development, and a strengthened multilateral system.
He noted that the initiative is founded on five core principles, including sovereign equality and adherence to international law. He underscored that multilateralism, people-centered approaches, and results-oriented cooperation form the foundation of the forum’s work.