Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, underscored that peacekeeping efforts by themselves cannot guarantee lasting peace without effective peacebuilding strategies. Speaking at the UN General Assembly Debate on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace, he emphasized the necessity of a smooth progression from peacekeeping missions to comprehensive peacebuilding and ultimately to development initiatives led by national governments.
Ambassador Ahmad highlighted that this transition demands continuous political dedication, sufficient financial and technical support, and coordinated assistance from the global community. He asserted, “Peacekeeping without peacebuilding cannot sustain peace.”
Reflecting on the Peacebuilding Commission’s 20-year history, Ahmad noted its crucial role in supporting countries emerging from conflict by consolidating peace and preventing a return to violence. However, he pointed out that the international environment now presents fresh challenges, including shrinking operational space for both peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities.
The ambassador further observed a troubling trend of diminishing peace to maintain and build, alongside increasing competition for scarce resources. He urged the international community to undertake a thorough and holistic evaluation of the situation to fulfill the promise of peacebuilding effectively.
“Without collectively addressing these fundamental issues, achieving sustainable peace will remain out of reach,” Ahmad warned. Pakistan has consistently championed multilateral approaches to conflict prevention and resolution at the UN, emphasizing the importance of tackling root causes such as poverty, inequality, and governance deficits.
This statement comes amid ongoing global conflicts and constrained budgets for peace operations worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for renewed commitment and resource allocation to peacebuilding efforts.
