by: Farooq Mirza
New York, – Senate Chairman of Pakistan, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, delivered a compelling address today during the Annual Parliamentary Hearing organized jointly by the Inter-Par Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the United Nations. The event, held at UN Headquarters in New York on February 12-13, 2026, focused on the theme “Parliaments and the United Nations: Better together, delivering for the people”, with a key session dedicated to “The UN at 80: Renewing Trust and Purpose through Cooperation and Partnership”.
As the United Nations commemorates its 80th anniversary, Gilani emphasized the organization’s enduring role as the cornerstone of global multilateral cooperation, rooted in its universal membership and the principles of the UN Charter. However, he highlighted the severe challenges impeding its effectiveness amid overlapping global crises.
Gilani pointed to climate change, violent conflicts, and deepening inequalities as major obstacles limiting the UN’s ability to advance its three interconnected pillars: peace and security, development, and human rights. He noted that these burdens disproportionately affect the Global South, reversing hard-earned development progress and underscoring that no single nation can tackle such systemic issues in isolation.
To rebuild trust in the UN, Gilani advocated for strengthened multilateral cooperation backed by adequate, predictable, and sustainable financing. He stressed the need for full respect for international law and urgent progress in peacefully resolving long-standing disputes in line with the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions.
On UN reform—a topic central to the UN80 initiative and discussions informed by the Pact for the Future—Gilani asserted that reform is essential but must follow the principle of “Reform for All, Privilege for None”. He called for more democratic, transparent, and accountable decision-making processes within the UN to enhance its credibility.
Gilani highlighted the vital role of national parliaments in bridging global commitments with domestic implementation, ensuring national ownership and accountability. Drawing from his own leadership, he referenced his stewardship of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference (ISC) last year and expressed eagerness to promote greater synergy among the UN, IPU, and ISC to advance shared global goals.
The Pakistani delegation, led by Gilani, includes prominent parliamentarians such as Senators Farooq H. Naek, Muhammad Abdul Qadir, Faisal Ali Subzwari, Saleem Mandviwala, and MNA Malik Muhammad Amir Dogar. On the sidelines, Gilani is scheduled to hold meetings with the President of the UN General Assembly and IPU President Dr. Tulia Ackson.
This participation aligns with Pakistan’s active engagement in multilateral forums, including its current term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (2025-26). Gilani’s statement reinforces Pakistan’s commitment to a reformed, equitable, and effective UN system capable of addressing contemporary global challenges while prioritizing the needs of developing nations.
The two-day hearing brings together parliamentarians, UN officials, diplomats, experts, and civil society to explore ways parliaments and the UN can collaborate more effectively for a prosperous, sustainable, just, and peaceful world. Gilani’s address has been shared by Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN, underscoring its significance in ongoing discussions on renewing multilateralism.
This event marks a key moment for parliamentary diplomacy as the international community seeks to future-proof the UN amid evolving geopolitical realities.
