Pakistani Ambassador to Japan Abdul Hameed listens to a student’s question during a special lecture at TUJ on June 11, 2026.
- Pakistani ambassador discusses Japan ties, diplomacy and nation’s future at TUJ
- Ambassador emphasizes U.N.’s continuing importance in global diplomacy
- Visit marks TUJ’s fifth high-level diplomatic or international official guest of 2026
Pakistani Ambassador to Japan Abdul Hameed spoke at Temple University, Japan Campus’ (TUJ) journalism research class on June 11, 2026, providing students with a valuable opportunity to engage with a senior diplomat and ask direct questions about Pakistan’s bilateral relationship with Japan and his diplomatic experience.
Hameed, invited by Adjunct Assistant Professor and Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan President Dan Sloan, delivered a lecture covering a wide range of topics related to Pakistan, including its history, culture, economic situation, diplomatic contributions to the international community, and bilateral relations with Japan.
Speaking to a class of TUJ students, faculty, and staff, the ambassador emphasized that Pakistan has one of the world’s youngest populations, with more than 60% of its 240 million people under the age of 30. He said this demographic profile presents significant potential for future economic growth.
He noted that Pakistan and Japan have maintained diplomatic relations since 1952 and will mark the 75th anniversary of those ties next year. Hameed said the two countries have a long history of cooperation in areas such as trade, technology and development, adding that Japan is widely regarded by many Pakistanis as a model for both government and industry.
Highlights U.N.’s Relevance
Before being appointed ambassador to Japan in 2025, Hameed held a number of diplomatic posts, including serving as a political counsellor at Pakistan’s mission to the United Nations in New York from 2009 to 2014. During that assignment, he worked on issues including counterterrorism, the rule of law, and international legal affairs.
Drawing on that experience, Hameed stressed the importance of the United Nations when asked by Sloan about concerns regarding the organization’s effectiveness in addressing global challenges. He argued that the U.N. continues to play an essential role in international diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.
Hameed acknowledged that there are criticisms of the U.N. and its leadership, but argued that the organization continues to play an important role, particularly because of its ability to bring world leaders together to discuss global issues.
“This is an institution that can bring presidents, prime ministers, and foreign ministers of about 150 countries every year in New York, for example, in one building for five days,” Hameed said. “No other institution has this kind of convening power. This kind of convening power is very hard for any other institution to get.”
Hameed said many international laws and agreements are discussed through the U.N. system and are supported by large majorities of member states. Some people may view the United Nations as ineffective, but that is precisely why it remains important because there is no other institution that can play a similar role, he said.
“Voluntarily, many countries are ready to follow the law and they are ready to make commitments,” he said. “We don’t have any other institutions. We have the Munich Conference, Davos, but there is no comparison.”
Fifth High-Level Visit to TUJ This Year
High-profile guests, including senior diplomats, government officials and representatives of international organizations, regularly visit TUJ, providing students with valuable opportunities to discuss global affairs and gain insights from their professional and personal experiences. These events are popular among students, particularly those interested in pursuing diplomatic careers or majoring in political science, communications and related fields, and often lead to lively discussions.
Hameed’s visit marked the fifth visit to TUJ this year by a senior diplomat or international official. Previous visitors included German Ambassador to Japan Petra Sigmund on Feb. 17, U.N. Under-Secretary-General Tshilidzi Marwala on March 3, Icelandic Ambassador to Japan Hreinn Pálsson on March 5 and Jordanian Ambassador to Japan Nasser Shraideh on April 2.
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