Says interfaith harmony, diversity, peaceful coexistence and dialogue are driving factors of Pakistan’s foreign policy
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, addresses a high-level United Nations event commemorating the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. SCREEN CAPTURE
Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, on Thursday called for deeper international engagement through diplomacy, intercultural exchange and mutual understanding, describing dialogue as “the most effective tool to transcend differences and foster mutual understanding and cooperation.”
Speaking at a high-level United Nations event marking the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, the ambassador joined other delegations in congratulating the organizers of the event, saying he wanted to “join many of my colleagues who are here in the room in congratulating them… for organizing and co-sponsoring this very important event,” adding that it had been “a very interesting and absorbing debate.”
He highlighted comments made by senior global figures, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, the President of the General Assembly and the High Representative, and praised what he described as “the messages we have heard” from international leaders.
Dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective tools for transcending differences and fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. It is the spirit of dialogue that has enabled human civilization to forge mutual respect and trust and chart a path of shared progress and development… pic.twitter.com/ehrqgppyuM
– Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) June 10, 2026
The Pakistani envoy said the discussion underscored a growing global consensus on the importance of dialogue, noting that “dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective tools to transcend differences and foster mutual understanding and cooperation.”
He said that the United Nations itself was founded on this principle, recalling that its creation after the Second World War reflected the recognition of “the interrelationship that exists between international peace and dialogue among civilizations.”
Warning about contemporary global tensions, he said that at “this critical juncture in history, when countless challenges endanger global peace and harmony,” “the importance of intercultural engagement cannot be overemphasized.”
Read: Pakistan urges all parties to give diplomacy ‘a little more chance’ at UN Security Council
The ambassador also referred to Pakistan’s historical and cultural heritage, saying the roots of the country’s civilization date back thousands of years, including the Indus Valley and Harappan civilization, which he said dates back “5,000 years.”
He described Pakistan as “situated at the crossroads of the Middle East and Western, Southern and Central Asia” and said it had long been “a melting pot of many civilizations and religions.”
He added that values such as interfaith harmony, peaceful coexistence, diversity and dialogue were “not only defining characteristics of Pakistan’s civilization but also a driver of our foreign policy.”
In this context, he referred to Pakistan’s co-sponsorship, along with the Philippines, of a UN General Assembly resolution entitled Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace, which he said had been adopted by consensus.
Concluding his remarks, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the United Nations system and said: “Pakistan will continue its commitment to the United Nations and all member states to promote our shared goals of dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions for global peace and prosperity.”
