UN Chief Calls for Reforms to Global Institutions, Emphasizes Africa’s Role

ADDIS ABABA: The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for significant reforms in global institutions, highlighting their inability to adequately address the aspirations and rights of African people. Speaking at the inauguration of the newly renovated African Hall alongside Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Guterres emphasized Africa's potential despite ongoing challenges such as climate change, conflict, and poverty.According to Ethiopian News Agency, Guterres noted that Africa symbolizes hope and transformation, recalling the historical context when only 26 African nations had gained independence at the time of the African Hall's original inauguration in 1961. The Hall, inaugurated by Emperor Haile Selassie, served as the birthplace of the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union. Guterres described the Hall as both a bridge between Africa's past and future and a testament to the continent's resilience and unity.The UN chief stressed the necessity of reforming globa l institutions, citing their origins during an era when much of Africa was under colonial rule. He pointed out the lack of a permanent African seat on the United Nations Security Council and criticized international financial institutions for their inability to adequately support African nations, particularly concerning debt relief and climate change impacts.Guterres also highlighted the adoption of a global digital compact and a declaration on future generations by world leaders. These agreements aim to reform the Security Council to make it more representative and accountable, and they call for revolutionary changes in international financial structures to enhance development and climate finance. The global digital compact strives for a universal governance agreement on artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need to bridge the digital divide and build capacity in developing regions, particularly in Africa.In his closing remarks, Guterres urged for the swift implementation of these agreements, emphasiz ing the importance of involving young people in every stage of the process to ensure a better future for Africa and the world.