UN Security Council: Pakistan-Initiated Statement Urges Diplomacy During Wars

The United Nations Security Council has adopted a Pakistan-initiated presidential statement urging countries to continue diplomatic efforts during armed conflicts and pursue ceasefires, de-escalation and lasting political solutions.

Titled “The Role of Diplomacy during Active Hostilities”, the statement highlights the importance of diplomatic engagement in protecting civilians, containing violence, preventing conflicts from spreading and ensuring humanitarian assistance during wars.

It urges countries to use mediation, good offices and direct or indirect communication between conflicting parties to ease tensions and create opportunities for negotiations, even while military operations continue.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, welcomed the adoption and described it as a significant contribution to international efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully.

“The message of this Presidential Statement is both simple and powerful: Diplomacy must not end when hostilities begin. Indeed, it becomes even more indispensable,” he said during a press stakeout following the adoption.

The statement was adopted under the November presidency of Latvia’s Ambassador Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, who is chairing the Security Council.

The Pakistani initiative builds on UN Security Council Resolution 2788, unanimously adopted during Pakistan’s presidency of the Council in July 2025. That resolution reaffirmed the importance of peacefully resolving international disputes in line with the UN Charter.

While the earlier resolution focused on the peaceful settlement of disputes, the latest statement specifically addresses diplomatic engagement after armed confrontations begin. Communication between opposing sides often breaks down at this stage, increasing the risk of escalation.

The Security Council stressed the need to keep communication channels open, either directly or through intermediaries. Such efforts can help prevent miscalculations, reduce tensions and facilitate political negotiations.

The statement identified several priorities for diplomacy during active hostilities. These include securing ceasefires, ensuring safe and unhindered humanitarian access, protecting civilians and preventing conflicts from expanding into regional or international confrontations.

It also stressed that diplomatic efforts must continue after a ceasefire. Sustained political engagement is essential to achieving a durable settlement, the statement said.

The Council encouraged UN member states to pursue mediation and diplomatic initiatives to ease tensions and help turn armed confrontations into peaceful resolutions.

It also recognised the contribution of regional and subregional organisations to conflict resolution. The statement welcomed efforts to strengthen their mediation capacities and encouraged closer cooperation with the United Nations.

The Security Council further highlighted the role of the UN secretary-general, his representatives, special envoys and mediators in promoting dialogue and facilitating peaceful settlements before and during armed conflicts.

It reaffirmed that all diplomatic initiatives must comply with the UN Charter, international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.

The statement also acknowledged the role of other UN bodies, including the International Court of Justice, in resolving disputes peacefully where states have accepted its jurisdiction.

Ambassador Haider Shah said the adoption brought together the Security Council’s experience in addressing individual conflicts under a common framework. He said it would provide a political reference point for diplomatic initiatives in ongoing and future conflicts.

He added that the initiative reflected Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism, dialogue and the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

The Security Council also called on the UN secretary-general to continue promoting diplomacy, mediation and peaceful dispute resolution, and to keep the Council informed about related efforts where appropriate.