The UN General Assembly will be meeting live in New York for the first time since 2019, with the 2020 and 2021 UNGAs being held virtually because of the covid-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is taking a team of three ministers, the minister of state for foreign affairs, and several officials, on September 19, when he is expected to reach New York, so as to address the General Assembly the next day. He is also scheduled to address a summit on educational reforms, as well as attend meetings on climate change and food security. The latter two point at what should be the thrust of his speech, which is the urgent need of assistance for Pakistan to repair the damage of this summer’s catastrophic floods.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ just-concluded visit to Pakistan was an indication of how seriously he took the devastation of the floods, but it will be the job of Mr Sharif to convince the UN’s members, particularly the richer countries, to help Pakistan in its time of need. However, this is not likely to be the only topic raised during the various meetings Mr Sharif will hold with counterparts on the sidelines of the Assembly. Though by no means arranged yet, it is hoped that a meeting between Mr Sharif and US President Joe Biden will also be arranged.
Though that meeting is not certain, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Minister of State Hina Rabbani Khar will go on to Washington on September 25, where they will meet US officials, being scheduled to remain there until September 27. It is hoped that they will continue the work of the Shehbaz government, of repaiaring ties with the USA.
The previous government, that of Imran Khan, had particularly damaged relations with the USA by the accusation that the USA was behind the conspiracy which had ultimately led to his fall from office. Mr Bhutto-Zardari and Ms Khar will thus play a crucial role in repairing ties. The USA will play an important role in persuading the IMF to revise its harsh conditionalities to help Pakistan create room for flood rehabilitation. Already, there is talk of debt swaps for climate assistance. While it may be too early for concrete assistance, at least the conversation can be furthered. Mr Sharif need not be overawed by the feats of oratory his predecessor is supposed to have performed at previous General Assemblies. He is the Prime Minister of a country which has been badly hit by floods, and not only must he comport himself accordingly, but he must ensure that his team does so too.
