PM Shehbaz’s UNGA agenda from climate action, polio fight to Trump | The Express Tribune

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

According to Trump’s Public schedule, the meeting will take place at 4:30 PM EST (Friday, 1:30 AM Pakistan time) at the Oval Office.

The leaders are expected to discuss matters of mutual interest, regional stability, and ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.

Read: PM Shehbaz heads to New York to participate in 80th UNGA

Partnership with Gates Foundation

PM Shehbaz also met Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation during a meeting with Gates Foundation Chair Bill Gates on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

He made the remarks, “Polio eradication remains a high priority, and partnership with the Gates Foundation is vital to achieve this objective,” he said.

According to state broadcaster RadioPakistan, he acknowledged the Foundation’s support in health, nutrition, financial inclusion, and relief efforts during both the 2022 and 2025 floods, and stressed continued cooperation to advance socio-economic development in Pakistan.

Highlighting the government’s initiatives on economic reforms, cashless digitization, and economic revitalization, PM praised the practical and valuable cooperation of the Gates Foundation.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue collaboration across health, nutrition, digital transformation, and broader socio-economic development.

Read More: PM Shehbaz to lead Pakistan at UNGA, meet Trump with Islamic leaders

Climate Finance and Green Initiatives

At a Special Climate Event convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of Brazil, Shehbaz Sharif called on the international community to honor its climate finance commitments.

“Debt-driven finance cannot address the climate catastrophe confronting vulnerable nations like Pakistan,” he said, recalling the country’s devastating floods of 2022 that caused losses exceeding $30 billion and displaced millions.

PM calls upon the international community to honour its climate finance commitment

He also warned that this year’s intense monsoon rains have impacted “over five million people, destroyed 4,100 villages, and claimed more than 1,000 lives.”

Bangladesh and beyond

During his meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the 80th UNGA, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to “constructive and forward-looking ties, rooted in mutual respect, trust, and shared aspirations of regional peace and prosperity.”

The two leaders reviewed the current state of Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations and explored ways to enhance cooperation in trade, regional connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges.

PM Shehbaz, Bangladesh Chief Adviser discuss bilateral ties

The Chief Adviser welcomed Pakistan’s proactive engagement and highlighted the importance of strengthening trade and cultural linkages.

Also Read: PM seeks stronger ties with Kuwait

Moreover, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar inaugurated the newly renovated Consular Services Area at the historic Consulate General of Pakistan in New York, established in 1948.

Speaking at the event, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to serve overseas Pakistanis with “dignity, efficiency, and the best possible services.”

According to Foreign Office press release, he highlighted reforms including the establishment of special courts for overseas Pakistanis, evidence recording via video link from missions abroad, e-filing of cases, facilitation in taxation and banking, reserved university and medical college quotas for overseas Pakistanis’ children, the revival of the Green Channel at airports, and the introduction of the Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) facility for 126 countries.

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The upgraded consulate now features a 24-hour emergency helpline, an online appointment system, improved NADRA services, a Punjab Land Record kiosk, upgraded telephone and call management systems, adoption of online Power of Attorney, regular E-Kachehris, community town halls, and enhanced cultural and economic outreach.

Consul General Aamer Ahmed Atozai thanked Senator Ishaq Dar for his guidance and support, noting that the renovations ensure uninterrupted services while improving community facilitation.

Dar also held multiple bilateral meetings during the UNGA sidelines. He met with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot to discuss ways to deepen bilateral relations.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X about the meetings

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He also met Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani

Both leaders reaffirmed strong ties, agreed to expand collaboration across economic, regional, and multilateral platforms, and underscored the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief in Gaza.

Prime Minister Shehbaz left London on Monday for New York to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He will address the 193-member Assembly on September 26, covering the crisis in Gaza, the right to self-determination in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), climate change, and other global concerns.