UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council on Thursday adopted a presidential statement initiated by Pakistan, calling on countries to continue diplomatic engagement even after the outbreak of armed conflicts and urging sustained efforts to secure ceasefires, prevent escalation and achieve lasting political settlements.
The statement, titled “The Role of Diplomacy during Active Hostilities”, emphasises that diplomatic engagement remains essential during wars to protect civilians, contain violence, prevent conflicts from spreading and facilitate humanitarian assistance.
It urges countries to use mediation, good offices and direct or indirect communication between warring parties to ease tensions and create opportunities for negotiations, even as military operations continue.
The statement was adopted under the November presidency of Latvia’s Ambassador Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, who is presiding over the Security Council this month.
Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative calling for sustained diplomatic engagement during armed conflicts has received the endorsement of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), marking an important contribution to international efforts aimed at preventing escalation and resolving disputes through peaceful means.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, welcomed the adoption of the Presidential Statement, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening diplomacy as an instrument for conflict resolution.
“The message of this Presidential Statement is both simple and powerful: Diplomacy must not end when hostilities begin. Indeed, it becomes even more indispensable,” Ambassador Shah said during a press stakeout following its adoption.
The Pakistani initiative builds on UN Security Council Resolution 2788, unanimously adopted during Pakistan’s presidency of the Council in July 2025. The resolution reaffirmed the importance of peaceful settlement of international disputes in accordance with the UN Charter.
The latest Presidential Statement further advances this framework by specifically emphasising the importance of maintaining diplomatic engagement after armed confrontations have begun, when communication between opposing parties often breaks down and the risk of escalation increases.
The Security Council underscored the need to maintain communication channels between parties to armed conflicts, both directly and through intermediaries. Such engagement can help prevent miscalculations, facilitate de-escalation and create opportunities for political negotiations.
Ambassador Shah noted that good offices, open communication channels and sustained dialogue could serve as a vital bridge between confrontation, de-escalation and peaceful settlement.
The statement outlined several practical objectives of diplomatic engagement during active hostilities, including facilitating cessations of hostilities, ensuring safe and unhindered humanitarian access, protecting civilians and preventing conflicts from expanding into wider regional or international confrontations.
It also stressed that a ceasefire should not mark the end of diplomatic efforts. Rather, sustained political engagement must continue beyond the cessation of hostilities to achieve a durable and lasting political settlement.
Recognising the contribution of individual UN member states, the Council encouraged countries to pursue mediation, good offices and diplomatic initiatives to reduce tensions and facilitate transitions from confrontation to peaceful resolution.
The statement also highlighted the important role of regional and subregional organisations in conflict resolution, welcoming efforts to strengthen their mediation capacities and encouraging closer cooperation with the United Nations.
Furthermore, it emphasised the role of the UN Secretary-General, along with his representatives, special envoys and mediators, in promoting dialogue and peaceful settlements. The Secretary-General was encouraged to continue supporting diplomatic initiatives before and during armed conflicts, particularly those aimed at de-escalation and sustainable political solutions.
The Security Council reaffirmed that all diplomatic efforts must remain consistent with the UN Charter, international law and relevant Security Council resolutions. It also recognised the contribution of other UN institutions, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in the peaceful settlement of disputes where states have consented to its jurisdiction.
Ambassador Syed Haider Shah described the adoption as an important milestone, bringing together the Security Council’s experience in addressing individual conflict situations under a common thematic framework and providing a political reference point for diplomatic initiatives in ongoing and future conflicts.
“Today’s adoption represents a meaningful contribution to the Council’s thematic body of work,” he said.
He added that the initiative reflected Pakistan’s continued commitment to multilateralism, dialogue and the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
The Security Council also requested the UN Secretary-General to continue promoting diplomacy, mediation and peaceful dispute resolution and to keep the Council informed, as appropriate, of relevant efforts.
Pakistan’s initiative reinforces a fundamental principle of international diplomacy: dialogue must remain an option even during war, as sustainable peace can only be achieved through continued political engagement and negotiated solutions.
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