In partnership with the Vienna School of International Studies at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the Mission organized a seminar titled, “Opportunities and Challenges For Middle Powers in the Geopolitical Order” 

The keynote address was delivered Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Chair, Foreign Relations Committee, National Assembly of Pakistan. The other speakers at the event included:

- Amb Li Song, PR China

- Amb Carl Hallergård, PR EU

- Mr Mustafa Kibaroglu, DPR Turkiye

- Mr Peter Haider, President, Universal Peace Federation Austria;

- Mr. Gerhard Sailler, MFA Austria

- Amb Kamran Akhtar Malik, PR Pakistan

Ms Khar emphasized the centrality of multilateralism in resolving global problems. She further stresses the need for citing the UN's paralysis in the context of conflicts in South Asia, Middle East,  Eastern Europe and other parts of the world

She stated that the global power contestation was undermining effective multilateralism.

She cautioned against selective application of principles in different situations which results in the erosion of trust in the multilateral system.

She urged the international community to take serious note of the normalization of violation of territorial integrity by a group of states, which could severely undermine global and regional peace and stability.

All the speakers unequivocally condemned today’s abhorrent incident of terrorism in Khuzdar, Balochistan, and stated that the targeting of innocent children cannot be justified. 

They were also unanimous in their views regarding: 

• A rules-based international order provides clear laws & norms, reducing conflict and misunderstandings. It’s the foundation for peaceful dispute resolution and global stability.
• Multilateralism ensures all countries—big or small—have a voice in global affairs. By upholding sovereignty, equality, and transparency, we foster cooperation in our interconnected world.
• Collective action on global challenges like climate change and health crises is only possible through multilateralism. No country can tackle these issues alone
• Fair trade and economic openness thrive in a rules-based system, supporting development and poverty reduction worldwide. Let’s keep the playing field level.
• By preventing power politics and unilateralism, a rules-based order promotes long-term global stability. Cooperation beats conflict every time.

In his remarks, Ambassador Kamran Akhtar reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for the global multilateral system, while also highlighting the UN’s shortcomings in resolving longstanding disputes, including Jammu & Kashmir and Palestine.

He emphasized that a strong and effective United Nations is essential for global peace and security.

Addressing current security challenges, the Ambassador reiterated Pakistan’s unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

The Ambassador also underscored the importance of upholding the core principles of the UN Charter, including the peaceful settlement of disputes and the protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.