Pakistan, Oct. 1 -- A speech at the United Nations General Assembly should not be viewed merely as a routine diplomatic formality. The UN is the world's largest international organisation, with the broadest membership of states. Addressing this forum means presenting a country's and a state's position on key issues before the international community. Every head of government or state uses the General Assembly platform to articulate foreign policy, national interests, strategic priorities and the official stance of their government. The world listens to that position as a state narrative and, importantly, records it.

A speech at the General Assembly also serves as a means of conveying messages to adversaries, warning them and, where neces...