Africa Urged to Make Its Voice Heard at UN General Assembly
As the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) opens in New York, experts are calling on African nations to take a more prominent role in global discussions.
Representatives from nearly every country in the world gather annually at the UN headquarters to deliver speeches, attend meetings, and participate in side events. While the event has become a routine fixture, analysts warn that its importance should not be underestimated.
The UN has faced increasing challenges in recent years, including criticism from powerful nations and financial shortfalls caused by unpaid member contributions. Humanitarian crises in regions such as Gaza and Sudan continue despite repeated appeals from the UN, highlighting its limited capacity to enforce global peace and security.
The organisation was founded in the aftermath of the Second World War, a conflict that claimed tens of millions of lives, including around two million Africans who fought for the Allied powers. Its creation aimed to prevent such global conflict from recurring and to provide a platform for nations to discuss disputes peacefully.
Over the decades, the UN’s work has expanded to include development, poverty reduction, disease control, and human rights protection, exemplified by the Sustainable Development Goals.
Africa, with 54 member states—the largest continental bloc in the UN—holds significant voting power. Experts say this gives the continent an opportunity to shape outcomes and ensure that its priorities are addressed during the UNGA.
“The UN remains the only global forum where nations can come together safely to find peaceful solutions,” said Anver Versi. “Africa’s voice and votes are crucial for supporting global peace, stability, and fairness.”
The 80th session of the UNGA will continue over the coming weeks, with debates expected on conflicts, climate change, and development issues affecting the African continent.
