"Statement by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad,Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, At Informal Meeting of the General Assembly on the UN80 Initiative, (29 July 2026)********Madam President,Pakistan thanks the briefers for their updates on the UN80 Initiative. On Workstream III broadly, we believe greater transparency and clarity is needed on next steps. In our view, proposals under this workstream sit at vastly different levels of maturity, requiring a calibrated approach. 2. As Member States deliberate, we expect timely, transparent and detailed information-sharing from the Secretariat, so delegations can judge which proposals have matured sufficiently for action and which have not. It is for Member States to decide the appropriate time to act on any of these proposals, and any such decision should reflect the consensus of the full membership, through a process that remains inclusive of all perspectives.3. On Work Package 22, Pakistan aligns with the observations made by the Group of 77 and China on Actions 49, 55 and 58. 4. On Work Package 18, we ask how the proposed annual high-level Funding Compact review would differ from, and avoid duplicating, the dialogues already held through the ECOSOC Operational Activities Segment. We have reservations regarding the proposed common portfolio framework spanning humanitarian, development and peacebuilding funds, and need additional information on this proposal and its practical implications. We also seek clarity on what substantive change is being proposed for the Joint SDG Fund, beyond its redesignation. We do support the recommendations 4,5,6 and 7 in this work package on earmarked contributions, and better demonstrating what core funding delivers. 5. On system-wide results management, we are open to a mechanism that gives Member States a clearer, unified picture of results across the system, provided it remains light-touch, avoids new reporting burdens, and does not duplicate existing entity-level accountability. I thank you."
In an informal meeting of the General Assembly held on July 29, 2026, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, articulated the country's stance on the UN80 Initiative. Emphasizing the need for transparent communication and a calibrated approach, Pakistan aims to contribute effectively to the discussions revolving around the various workstreams initiated by the UN.
Ambassador Ahmad underscored that the proposals under Workstream III are at differing levels of maturity, necessitating a well-structured and inclusive dialogue among Member States. He highlighted the importance of timely information-sharing from the UN Secretariat, enabling countries to assess which proposals are adequately developed for action. Pakistan believes it is crucial for decisions to be reflective of a consensus among all member states, ensuring that diverse perspectives are integrated into the decision-making process.
On specific work packages, Pakistan supports the observations made by the Group of 77 and China regarding Actions 49, 55, and 58. The Ambassador raised questions concerning Work Package 18, particularly about the proposed review of the annual high-level Funding Compact, questioning its differentiation from existing dialogues within the ECOSOC framework. With reservations on the proposed common portfolio framework for humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding funds, Pakistan seeks further clarity on these initiatives and their practical implications.
Pakistan's proactive involvement reflects the sentiment among many member states advocating for a transparent and collaborative environment within the UN. The emphasis on inclusiveness has been echoed by other nations, recognizing that leveraging diverse viewpoints is essential for the effective functioning of global governance. The international community is watching closely as Member States engage in these discussions, seeking approaches that bolster cooperation and build consensus.
As the discussions around the UN80 Initiative evolve, Pakistan remains optimistic about the potential for constructive dialogue. By advocating for clear, unified results management across the UN system without imposing additional reporting burdens, there is an opportunity for enhanced cooperation and accountability. Pakistans commitment to supporting earmarked contributions and demonstrating core funding effectiveness aligns with the greater goal of fostering sustainable development and addressing humanitarian challenges.
As the global landscape continues to change, Member States are called upon to engage in meaningful conversations that bring forward innovative solutions to pressing issues, ensuring that the UN remains an effective platform for collaboration and progress.
