"Opening Remarks by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad,Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN,At Briefing on Digital Assets and Blockchain for Sustainable Development(September 11, 2026)*******Excellencies, Dear colleagues and distinguished participants,Good afternoon2. It is a pleasure to welcome you to this briefing. I thank our partners - UNDP, UNCTAD and ODET - as well as our Panelists and participants for joining us today.3. We are meeting at a time when digital assets, tokenization, blockchain and related technologies are increasingly moving from the margins into mainstream discussions on finance, investment, payments, public services and digital transformation. These technologies are creating new possibilities for transferring value, improving efficiency, expanding access to financial services and developing new forms of digital infrastructure. At the same time, they raise important policy, institutional and capacity questions for governments.4. For developing countries in particular, the question is how we can engage with them in a manner that advances our development priorities. The opportunities are significant, but so are the gaps in infrastructure, technical expertise, institutional capacity and access to finance. We therefore need to better understand what is already working, where genuine public and economic value can be created, and what support countries need to move from experimentation towards practical and sustainable implementation.5. This is the purpose of todays discussion.6. We will, first, hear about the work already underway across the UN system and practical experiences from different institutions. Second, we want to examine the evolving role of digital assets in digital finance, as well as the wider applications of blockchain and distributed ledger technologies in areas such as digital identity, public services and sustainable development. And third, we want to consider what role UN can play - particularly in capacity-building, knowledge-sharing, technical cooperation and helping Member States learn from emerging experiences.7. Pakistan is also navigating this rapidly evolving landscape and is keen to contribute its own experience while learning from others. We see value in ensuring that these conversations are not confined to technology or financial centres alone, but are also brought into the multilateral space with a clear development perspective.I thank you"
On September 11, 2026, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, the Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, delivered compelling remarks during a briefing focused on the potential of digital assets and blockchain technologies for achieving sustainable development goals. The session was held in collaboration with UNDP, UNCTAD, and ODET, reflecting a growing global recognition of digital innovation in financial paradigms, especially in developing nations.
During his opening remarks, Ambassador Ahmad emphasized that digital assets and blockchain are transitioning from niche discussions to mainstream financial considerations. These technologies not only improve financial transaction efficiencies but also expand access to essential services, challenging traditional infrastructure limitations. For Pakistan and similar developing nations, the discussion is not merely technical; it is about leveraging technology to fulfill pressing developmental goals.
Ambassador Ahmad articulated the critical need to bridge gaps in infrastructure, technical expertise, and financial access. Highlighting the positive potential, he stressed understanding effective existing models that provide economic value and identifying what support mechanisms are necessary for sustainable implementation. The task ahead is to transition from experimental uses of technology to impactful applications that can bolster social and economic growth.
The briefings included various stakeholders from the UN system and external experts discussing their practical experiences with these emerging technologies. Notably, the conversation underscored the role of member states, including Pakistan, in pushing for inclusive discussions in multilateral fora, rather than relegating these innovations to financial hubs. Consequently, this represents an opportunity for countries to share knowledge and enhance collaboration, crucial for developing a global framework that supports balanced development across all nations.
As Pakistan actively navigates this digital transformation era, the nation is eager to both contribute to and learn from global peers. The call for a collaborative approach signifies that the development discourse involves all nations participating in shaping policies that cater to their unique challenges and landscapes. Ambassador Ahmad's remarks remind us that meaningful engagement in digital finance and technology can reshape the developmental trajectory of countries, ensuring they are not left behind in the digital age.
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