Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday warned that the world has become a “powder keg” due to unresolved political conflicts and escalating global crises.

Addressing a United Nations conference in Vienna, he stressed that sustainable development and justice are essential for achieving lasting global peace.

He also accused India of violating the Indus Waters Treaty and using water as a weapon against Pakistan.

Sustainable development and peace

The high-level event, titled 'Sustainable Development: The Path to Global Peace and Prosperity', was organised by the United Nations in Vienna.

Prime Minister Sharif participated in the conference alongside Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and senior UN officials. During his address, the prime minister said the world is facing multiple crises, including climate change and resource depletion due to a growing global population.

“Sustainable development is the guarantee of global peace,” he said, adding that Pakistan contributes less than one percent to global carbon emissions despite being severely impacted by climate change.

Indus Waters Treaty concerns raised

Highlighting regional tensions, Shehbaz said that India had violated the Indus Waters Treaty and threatened to use the water of the Indus River as a weapon.

He emphasized that the Indus River guarantees the life and livelihood of 240 million people in Pakistan, warning that politicizing water resources could further destabilize the region.

Deputy Prime Minister Dar also addressed the event, reaffirming Pakistan’s strict commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter.

He stated that global peace and development are inseparable and called for collective international efforts to resolve conflicts and promote sustainable growth.

UN officials highlight Pakistan cooperation

Several senior UN officials addressed the gathering and underscored Pakistan’s role in development and global cooperation.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano

The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano, noted that Pakistan is making significant progress in nuclear development.

He highlighted Pakistan’s important role in cancer treatment and pledged continued cooperation with Pakistan in agriculture and environmental protection.

UNODC Acting Executive Director John Brand

Acting executive director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), John Brand, said that peace and security are possible only through sustainable development.

He stressed the need for collective action against terrorism, stronger measures against drug trafficking and human trafficking, and reaffirmed UNODC’s support to Pakistan in combating organized crime.

UNIDO Deputy Director General Koya Sonaga

The deputy director general of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Yuko Yasunaga, said Pakistan is among the countries severely affected by climate change.

He emphasized the need for joint global action to address climate challenges and expressed full support for Pakistan’s Five-A Framework.

MoUs signed for enhanced cooperation

On the sidelines of the conference, Pakistan and the United Nations signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation in various fields.

The agreements aim to deepen collaboration in development, climate action, security, and institutional capacity building.

The Vienna conference underscored Pakistan’s call for a development-driven global agenda, with leaders emphasizing that sustainable growth, climate resilience, and justice are essential to achieving lasting peace.