Minhaj-ul-Quran International Europe, in collaboration with Minhaj University Lahore, participated in the 39th Annual Meeting of the Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS), hosted by Universidade NOVA de Lisboa under the theme “Multilateralism under Challenge and the Future of the Pact.”
Recognised as one of the world’s foremost forums on the United Nations, global governance, and multilateral cooperation, ACUNS brings together senior United Nations officials, diplomats, policymakers, academics, and civil society leaders from across the world. The participation of Minhaj-ul-Quran International at this distinguished gathering reflects the organisation’s growing international standing as a credible contributor to global academic, policy, and peacebuilding discourse.
The international delegation, comprising representatives from Pakistan, Norway, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, maintained a strong presence throughout the conference. Across more than 25 academic sessions, delegates chaired expert panels, presented original research, moderated discussions, and actively contributed to high-level debates on multilateral reform, human security, sustainable development, climate governance, and the implementation of the United Nations Pact for the Future.
Beyond the formal programme, the delegation engaged with universities, international organisations, diplomatic missions, think tanks, and policy institutions to advance long-term academic and institutional cooperation. These engagements provided an opportunity to present the work of Minhaj University Lahore and the global mission of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, while sharing academic publications and exploring future collaborations in research, education, and international policy dialogue.
Throughout the conference, Minhaj-ul-Quran International highlighted its distinctive contribution to addressing contemporary global challenges through an integrated model of education, academic scholarship, humanitarian service, peacebuilding, interfaith engagement, and community development. The organisation’s longstanding international experience and intellectual tradition offered a valuable perspective within discussions on the future of multilateral cooperation and global governance.
The delegation also held discussions with a number of distinguished international figures, including Jean-Pierre Lacroix, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations; Adriana Abdenur, Executive Director of the Global Fund for a New Economy; and Kitty van der Heijden, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, alongside ambassadors, senior UN officials, renowned scholars, and policy leaders from around the world.
Participation at ACUNS 2026 represented far more than attendance at an international conference. It reflected the continued emergence of Minhaj-ul-Quran International as a respected global institution that contributes constructively to international academic dialogue and policy discussions through knowledge, values, and practical engagement.
As Minhaj-ul-Quran International continues to expand its international outreach, ACUNS 2026 stands as an important milestone in strengthening global partnerships, advancing the international profile of Minhaj University Lahore, and reinforcing the organisation’s long-term commitment to education, peace, dialogue, and responsible global leadership.
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