As we approach October 24, United Nations Day, it is a moment to reflect on the enduring partnerships between Pakistan and various United Nations (UN) agencies, as well as Pakistan's significant role in UN peacekeeping missions. These collaborations underscore our shared responsibility for promoting peace, development, and global cooperation.
For decades, Pakistan has hosted a range of UN agencies, each contributing significantly to our country's development agenda. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO), among others, have worked tirelessly to enhance the well-being of our citizens.
The UNDP's initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation, women's empowerment, and environmental sustainability have not only brought tangible improvements but have also set global benchmarks. UNICEF's commitment to providing quality education, healthcare, and protection for children aligns with Pakistan's vision for a brighter future. WHO's ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare systems and combat pandemics, exemplified during the COVID-19 crisis, underscore their unwavering dedication.
The United Nations presence in Pakistan becomes most prominent during significant calamities, such as the 2005 earthquake, as well as the floods in 2010 and 2022. Throughout each of these crises, UN agencies have consistently aided the government's response, collaborating with various stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international and regional donors, local communities, and at times, in conjunction with the military. Their collective objective remains unwavering: to provide assistance to the people of Pakistan.
During periods of economic instability, securing funding for development becomes exceedingly arduous, causing progress to nearly come to a standstill. Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister, at the "Climate Ambition Summit" during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), once again united with fellow leaders to advocate for the fulfillment of developed nations' commitment to provide climate finance for developing nations. Half of this funding is designated for climate adaptation, with an urgent launch of the "loss and damage" fund. He underscored the pressing need to ensure climate justice for Pakistan and other vulnerable countries while highlighting some of Pakistan's own initiatives to combat climate change, including the National Adaptation Plan and the Living Indus Initiative.
In the realm of international peacekeeping, Pakistan's contributions stand as a testament to our commitment to global peace and security. Our brave soldiers have served in some of the world's most volatile regions, providing stability and assisting conflict-ridden nations on their path to peace. Their sacrifices and professionalism have earned them international respect.
As the world continues to grapple with conflicts and humanitarian crises, Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to UN peacekeeping. Our troops are prepared to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, and our role as a responsible global citizen in this regard remains unwavering.
Pakistan's unwavering commitment to United Nations peacekeeping missions traces its origins back to 1960 when our first peacekeeping contingent was deployed in Congo. Since then, our nation has played an integral role in numerous UN peacekeeping endeavors, spanning various decades and continents.
During the early years, from 1960 to the late 1970s, Pakistani peacekeepers served in three out of eleven UN missions, including West Irian, Yemen, and Congo. As the 1980s ushered in the complexities of the Cold War, UN peacekeeping operations dwindled to six. Despite this reduction, Pakistan remained dedicated to the cause, with our peacekeepers deployed in Namibia to support humanitarian efforts.
The post-Cold War era brought forth a surge in global conflicts, prompting the United Nations to expand its peacekeeping missions significantly. During this tumultuous period, the UN dispatched peacekeepers to 36 missions worldwide, with Pakistani troops participating in an impressive 21 of them. Among these missions, Somalia stood out as one of the most volatile conflicts, where 23 Pakistani peacekeepers made the ultimate sacrifice during a daring rescue operation.
Moving into the 2000s, Pakistan continued its active involvement in UN peacekeeping. In this decade, our nation contributed to 12 out of 18 missions, boasting the highest-ever contingent strength of 10,500 peacekeepers.
On this UN Day, let us celebrate the spirit of cooperation between Pakistan and the United Nations. Together, we share a vision of a better world, one where peace, development, and cooperation prevail. Through this shared commitment, we can overcome the challenges of our time and collectively build a brighter future for all.

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