On Friday 10 July, at the Prime Minister's House in Islamabad, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, received President Macky Sall. The visit opened a new stage in his campaign to become the next UN Secretary-General.
Among the major challenges facing the international community, the talks covered preserving peace and sustainable development, as well as respect for international law and the strengthening of multilateralism. According to the candidate, the meeting showed a convergence of views on the need to build a revitalised United Nations that is more effective and faithful to the founding principles of its Charter.
President Macky Sall paid tribute to Pakistan's role on the international stage, its constant commitment to multilateralism, its major contribution to UN peacekeeping operations and its efforts for the peaceful settlement of disputes. Tens of thousands of women and men serve under the blue flag today. Giving their missions clear mandates and adequate resources, and ensuring their real protection, is central to the candidate's vision.
In twelve days, President Macky Sall has met senior leaders in Beijing, Athens, New York, Manama and now Islamabad. At every stop he has argued for a reformed, effective UN that rebuilds trust among member states.
Since the Security Council opened its private consultations on 30 June, the calendar has accelerated, with the first straw polls expected in the last week of July. Fifteen states will vote: the five permanent members and ten elected members. Pakistan is among them, as it currently sits on the Council as an elected member.
The full vision statement is available at www.mackysall.net.