ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday warned of a global order under “immense strain” as it raised concern over growing violations of international norms and rising unilateral military actions, while addressing the Forum of Small States in New York to mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Charter.
The UN Charter, signed in San Francisco on June 26, 1945, laid the foundation for international peace, sovereignty and justice following World War II. Pakistan’s remarks come as the world witnessed two major military crises in South Asia and the Middle East in the last two months.
In May, nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan exchanged artillery fire, drones and missiles in a brief but intense conflict before reaching a ceasefire. Weeks later, Israel launched a large-scale military campaign against Iran, targeting uranium enrichment facilities and nuclear infrastructure in what Tehran called an unprovoked act of war.
“The UN Charter remains our moral compass and legal foundation,” Pakistan’s Counsellor at the UN, Saima Saleem, said. “Yet today, we confront a global order under immense strain— marked by a growing disregard for international law, persistent and emerging conflicts, and a disturbing resurgence of unilateralism.”
“The voices of the vulnerable— especially peoples under foreign occupation, like the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine— remain marginalized and their right to self-determination denied, despite the solemn promises of the Charter,” she added.
Calling for “inclusive multilateralism that delivers,” Saleem urged reforms to strengthen the UN’s effectiveness, including revitalizing the General Assembly’s authority and ensuring impartial implementation of Security Council resolutions.
“Selective application of international law and the UN Charter erodes faith in global governance. Its equal enforcement restores it,” Saleem said.
She also called for concrete action to ensure sustainable development, digital cooperation, youth and gender inclusion, climate resilience and peaceful dispute resolution.
“Multilateralism remains humanity’s best hope,” she said. “It must be re-energized, not replaced.”
The Forum of Small States is an informal group founded by Singapore in 1992. It offers a platform for smaller UN member states to coordinate positions and amplify their voices in global diplomacy. With over 100 members, it is now one of the largest informal blocs at the UN.
