Seminar explores pathways to global peace, trust

ISLAMABAD: Speakers at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) seminar on “International Year of Peace and Trust: Cooperation for Peace,” have highlighted Pakistan’s role for peace and trust, which is also widely admired across the globe.

Atadjan Movlamov, ambassador Turkmenistan and Dean of Diplomatic Corps who co-hosted the seminar while referring a complexity in global politics, advocated to consolidating international efforts for purposes of peace and trust by introducing a UN General Assembly resolution on the subject.

Former foreign secretary ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasised that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but rather a dynamic and participatory process which requires dialogue, mutual understanding, and the ability to accept and respect differences.

Ambassador Mahmood noted that the resolution’s emphasis on preventive diplomacy, peaceful settlement of disputes, and peace as a live experience is pertinent to the contemporary international environment, which is beset by divisions, discord and conflict.

He highlighted the genocidal war in the Middle East, conflict in Europe, and the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute, stating that the UN and international community must fulfil their obligations towards ensuring just and lasting solutions of these issues.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Muhammad Yahya, remarked that the unanimous support for the International Year of Peace and Trust is an achievement in the contemporary international relations.

He also noted that Pakistan has been instrumental in supporting the resolution and commended the country’s diplomatic efforts. He noted that in an increasingly fragmented and intolerant world, the need for building peace and trust is becoming imperative. Peace and security are one of the three key pillars of the United Nations, along with sustainable development and human rights. Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, Additional Secretary (UN and OIC) Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that “without building trust and commitment to international principles we cannot see lasting peace in the world”. Conflicts in different parts of the world including Kashmir, Ukraine, Gaza, Africa, etc., are problematised by the fact that the solutions do exist without implementation. Ambassador Masood Khalid noted that the Doomsday Clock is set at ‘89 seconds to midnight’ now, symbolising the severe existential threats the world faces. Factors like nuclear risks, climate change, AI-driven military advancements, and failures in global governance contribute to this dire assessment. The silence of powerful nations on these atrocities undermines their claims of championing democracy and human rights, leading to a global decline in moral consciousness.

Ms. Ammara Durrani Assistant Resident Representative UNDP noted that five areas were identified by the United Nations for enabling multilateralism. These include sustainable development and finance, international peace and security, science and technology innovation, youth and future generations, and transforming global governance.

She also noted that South Asia is described as a region with strong potential, however, the potential has never been met due to tensions and vested interests in the region.

Dr. Maria Effendi focused on three areas for people in academia to contribute to promotion of peace and trust. First, teaching and training human resource to not only speak and write on peace but also to practice it as a value. Second, the role of civil society in promoting peace advocacy. Lastly, promoting policy-oriented research to bring meaningful change in academia and policy making circles.

Dr. Talat Shabbir reminded that Pakistan, as a staunch advocate of peaceful coexistence, has always supported international efforts aimed at conflict resolution and dialogue-based diplomacy.

Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, former ambassador of Pakistan to China and Chairman BOG ISSI, noted that the United Nations was principally founded with the aspiration to promote international peace and prevent coming generations from the scourge of war.

He concluded by stating that celebrating and recognising the importance of international peace should not be limited to just one year but rather should be celebrated every day and every year.