PM Shehbaz to Address Global Leaders at 79th UNGA Session
— September 24, 2024
UNITED NATIONS (AIA) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in New York on Monday evening to lead Pakistan’s delegation at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which opens on Tuesday. Over 130 world leaders are expected to attend the annual event. PM Sharif is scheduled to address the 193-member General Assembly on September 27.
Security has been tightened around the UN complex for the high-level debate running from September 24 to 28. Before departing for London last week, the prime minister shared a post on X, stating he would present Pakistan’s perspective, advocate its interests, and work to strengthen international partnerships during the visit.
In addition to his address at the UNGA, PM Sharif will participate in several summit meetings, including discussions on the existential threat of rising sea levels, the SDG Moment 2024, and an open debate in the UN Security Council on ‘Leadership for Peace.’
During his five-day visit, PM Shehbaz will highlight issues such as the impact of climate change, Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, challenges faced by debt-burdened nations, India’s occupation of Kashmir, and the ongoing genocide of Palestinians under Israeli forces.
The premier will also meet with the US-Pakistan Business Council and Pakistani bankers to discuss his government’s pro-business policies. Meetings with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the heads of the UN General Assembly, European Commission, and World Bank, along with Bill Gates and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, are also planned. PM Shehbaz will meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss efforts to end Israeli aggression against Palestine.
Sharif will attend a luncheon hosted by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, marking the 40th anniversary of Brunei’s UN membership, and a dinner reception by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, celebrating 50 years of Bangladesh’s UN membership. He will also hold a one-on-one meeting with Dr. Yunus as relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have warmed since the ouster of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
PM Sharif is accompanied by Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.