GENEVA: Pakistan has assumed the presidency of the United Nations Conference on Disarmament (CD) in Geneva, with Islamabad beginning consultations with member states and regional groups to advance the conference’s work.
Pakistan has taken over the presidency as part of the conference’s 2026 session and has started consultations in its capacity as president. Ambassador Tahir Hussain Andrabi is chairing the meetings on behalf of Pakistan.
The spokesperson said Pakistan is holding the final presidency of the 2026 session, during which the annual proceedings of the Conference on Disarmament are expected to be completed.
The discussions will also be held on the conference’s annual report and a relevant resolution to be considered by the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly.
Ambassador Andrabi has initiated consultations with former presidents of the Conference on Disarmament as well as representatives of different regional groups. The consultations are aimed at building consensus and facilitating progress on key disarmament and arms-control issues.
The Conference on Disarmament comprises 65 member states, including all states possessing nuclear weapons. Pakistan’s assumption of the presidency has been described by the Foreign Office as a reflection of the international community’s confidence in the country’s diplomatic role.
The conference’s agenda includes efforts to prevent an arms race in outer space, prevent nuclear war and address the cessation of the nuclear arms race.
It also provides a forum for discussions on international disarmament and arms-control measures.
Established as the world’s sole permanent multilateral forum dedicated to negotiating international disarmament and arms-control agreements, the Conference on Disarmament has historically played an important role in developing major international treaties.
Its work has contributed to agreements and negotiations concerning biological weapons, chemical weapons and the prohibition of nuclear weapons testing.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan’s presidency would further highlight the country’s diplomatic engagement in international discussions on arms control, disarmament, international peace and security.
The spokesperson added that Pakistan’s election to lead the Conference on Disarmament represented international recognition of its diplomatic leadership and constructive contribution to multilateral disarmament diplomacy.
