Says interfaith harmony, diversity, peaceful coexistence and dialogue are drivers behind Pakistan’s foreign policy
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, addressed a high-level UN event marking the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. SCREEN GRAB
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, 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 promote mutual understanding and cooperation.”
Speaking at a high-level UN 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 you… for organizing and co-sponsoring this very important event,” adding that it had been a very interesting discussion.
He highlighted remarks from senior global figures, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the President of the General Assembly and the High Representative who 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 promoting mutual understanding and cooperation. It is the spirit of dialogue that made it possible for human civilization to create mutual respect and trust and chart a path for common progress and development… pic.twitter.com/ehrqgppyuM
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations (@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 promote mutual understanding and cooperation.”
He said that the United Nations itself was founded on this principle and recalled that its creation after the Second World War reflected the recognition of “the interconnection that exists between international peace and dialogue between civilizations.”
He cautioned against contemporary global tensions, saying that “at this critical time in history, when countless challenges endanger global peace and harmony,” the importance of intercultural engagement “cannot be overemphasized.”
Read: Pakistan urges all sides to give diplomacy ‘a little more chance’ at the UNSC
The ambassador also drew on Pakistan’s historical and cultural heritage, saying the country’s civilizational roots stretch back thousands of years, including the Indus Valley Civilization and Harappa, which he said went back “5,000 years.”
He described Pakistan as being “located at the crossroads of the Middle East and the West, South 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 features of Pakistan’s civilization but also a driving force for our foreign policy.”
In this context, he referred to Pakistan’s co-sponsorship with the Philippines of a UN General Assembly resolution titled 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 UN system, saying, “Pakistan will continue its engagement with the UN and all member states to advance our common goal of dialogue among civilizations, cultures and faiths for global peace and prosperity.”
