NEW YORK: Pakistan has been elected as the chairman of the United Nations Committee on Information for a two-year term.
In his opening statement, Ambassador Aamir Khan, deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, pledged to promote fact-based information and fight against the spread of misinformation.
He called for building a cohesive system that enhances understanding of the principles of the UN Charter and bridging the digital divide to achieve universal connectivity. He emphasised that this will enable people to make informed decisions and contribute to building inclusive, peaceful, and just societies.
The Pakistani envoy also highlighted the triple crisis that the world is facing, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the existential threat caused by climate change, and the inter-related shocks to food, fuel, and finance.
He stressed the committee’s role in combating these challenges by ensuring accurate and timely information. He called for confronting the existential threat of climate change and for promoting the exchange of information and best practices to accelerate bold climate action.
Ambassador Khan also underscored the need for a fair, equitable, and resilient global information landscape, addressing the technological divide and lack of access by developing countries to reliable, factual, and multilingual information.
He recalled Pakistan’s initiative in the General Assembly, which adopted resolution 76/227 entitled “Countering Disinformation for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms,” and welcomed the launch of the “Group of Friends” on Countering Disinformation to advance the multidimensional response to counter all forms of disinformation, including in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lastly, Ambassador Khan welcomed the new Vice-Chairs and Rapporteur of the Committee as well as new member Estonia, which has been admitted to the Committee on Information. He called for persevering and renewing the commitment to meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) despite the challenges posed by Covid-19.
