PM Sharif’s UNGA speech tops YouTube views, outpacing Trump and Netanyahu

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has become the most-viewed video on the UN’s official YouTube channel, drawing over a million views in just three days.

Sharif’s speech outpaced global leaders including US President Donald Trump, whose address on September 24 garnered about 349,000 views, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose remarks on September 26 reached 182,000 views.

Delivering his third address to the global forum, Sharif outlined Pakistan’s stance on regional disputes, terrorism, climate change, and global governance, while making a heartfelt appeal for Palestine.

He began with a bleak assessment of global challenges, citing intensifying conflicts, violations of international law, terrorism, disinformation, an escalating arms race, and the climate crisis.

“Multilateralism is no more an option; it is essential,” he said, endorsing initiatives such as the UN’s “Pact for the Future” but warning that “mere declarations are not enough.”

Sharif also revisited recent tensions with India, accusing New Delhi of “unprovoked aggression” after Islamabad’s demand for an international probe into the Pahalgam incident was rejected. He said Pakistan exercised its right to self-defense by downing seven Indian aircraft.

“Our valiant armed forces, under Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, mounted an operation of stunning professionalism and bravery,” he noted, crediting Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Babar Sidhu for leading the air response.

On UN reforms, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism as a non-permanent Security Council member. While supporting a stronger, more representative UN, he opposed expanding permanent Council membership, warning it would deepen the body’s “paralysis and selectivity.”

He closed with a call to action: “Let this 80th anniversary not simply commemorate history. Let us make history, by building a United Nations that delivers peace, justice, and development for all.”