PRESIDENT of the General Assembly, Khalilur Rahman, says Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership of the Security Council is a continuing injustice, demanding justice for the continent.
Rahman said this at the closing of the General Debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
The Assembly President said world leaders spoke clearly about reforming the United Nations during the debate.
He, however, said that while the UN80 initiative would continue, “administrative reform cannot substitute for deeper political reform.
“Reform is not an exercise in rearranging structures or reducing budgets, or rearranging budget lines. It is a matter of whether this organisation delivers better, faster, and more fairly for the people it serves. Administrative reform cannot be a substitute for deeper political reform truly led by member states,” the Assembly President said.
In this regard, he said Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership of the Security Council “is a continuing injustice.”
“The common African position is clear, no reform agenda, including UN 80, is complete without addressing this long-standing inequity in the Security Council.”
He went on to discuss the appointment of the next Secretary-General, calling it “one of this Assembly’s most consequential responsibilities at a time when the organisation is facing complex issues”.
The Charter clearly states that the Assembly will appoint the Secretary-General on the Security Council’s recommendation,” he said, adding that the process must be transparent, inclusive and merit-based.
“The selection process must strengthen, not diminish, the legitimacy, independence, and moral authority of the office,” he said.
Providing recap on the meeting, Rahman said that more than 193 delegations had taken the rostrum during the debate, including 113 heads of State and Government, one Crown Prince, 11 Vice-Presidents, seven Deputy Prime Ministers, and 48 ministers.
“Across your statements, one word came before all others: peace. But peace was spoken of less as a distant aspiration than as an urgent defence – of the UN Charter, international law and the protection of civilians,’’ he said.
He summarised the many themes raised during the General Debate, including peace and security, the Sustainable Development Goals, debt burdens, climate change, human rights and gender equality.
At the same time, artificial intelligence – mentioned by only five delegations four years ago – was addressed by 128 delegations, he noted.
“Many framed AI as a question of governance: Who designs it? Who benefits? Who bears the risks? And who is accountable when harm occurs?” he said.
The Assembly President emphasized that AI governance must be human-centred, inclusive and attentive to the needs of developing countries.
The General Debate closed on Monday but the General Assembly session continues. From October 1 through December, the 193-member Assembly moves deeper into its substantive work, debating global issues, electing key officials and considering the UN budget.
Much of the detailed negotiation and drafting shifts to its six Main Committee, where every Member State is represented and issues range0 from disarmament and international security to economic, financial, humanitarian and social affairs.
And one particularly consequential decision lies ahead: following a recommendation from the Security Council, the General Assembly will appoint the next UN Secretary-General, who will succeed António Guterres on January 1, 2027. (NAN)
