Pakistan has assumed the presidency of the United Nations Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, marking a significant diplomatic milestone. Additional Secretary for Arms Control and Disarmament Tahir Hussain Andrabi is leading the meetings on behalf of the country.
Pakistan holds the final presidency of the conference’s 2026 session and will therefore conclude its proceedings for the year. During this period, Pakistan will guide discussions on the annual report of the conference and the related resolution in the First Committee of the UN General Assembly.
Ambassador Andrabi recently chaired a meeting of the previous presidents from the 2026 session and held consultations with representatives of the regional groups. This step shows the growing recognition of Pakistan’s role in global diplomacy.
The UN Conference on Disarmament stands as the world’s only multilateral forum dedicated to negotiating disarmament and arms control treaties. Located at the UN office in Geneva, it brings together 65 member states, including all nations that possess nuclear weapons.
Key items on the agenda include ending the nuclear arms race, preventing nuclear war, and stopping the weaponisation of outer space. Over the years, the conference and its earlier bodies have produced major international agreements such as the Biological Weapons Convention, the Chemical Weapons Convention, and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
Pakistan’s leadership of the conference at this important time reflects the confidence of the international community in its diplomatic abilities. It also highlights the country’s constructive approach to multilateral arms control and disarmament efforts.
By taking on this responsibility, Pakistan now sits at the heart of global conversations on arms control, disarmament, and international peace and security. Officials view this role as an opportunity to advance meaningful progress on some of the most pressing security challenges facing the world today. The presidency allows Pakistan to shape discussions that matter for global stability and to strengthen its position as a responsible voice in international forums.
