Côte d'Ivoire's Vice President, Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, represented President Alassane Ouattara at the 81st ordinary session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. On September 24, 2026, Koné delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of dialogue in addressing global crises. He stated that the international community must prioritize dialogue over confrontation. This statement was reported by the Ivoirian daily newspaper, Fraternité Matin, on September 25, 2026.
Koné's address was part of the general debate, themed "Restoring Trust, Driving Transformations: A UN at the Service of All." He highlighted that contemporary challenges require collective responses and strengthened international cooperation. The Vice President underscored the role of dialogue in preventing crises, bridging positions, and rebuilding trust among nations. His speech reflected Côte d'Ivoire's commitment to fostering a prosperous and solidary nation with economic growth translating into social progress and well-being for all citizens.
The Ivoirian delegation also discussed the representation of Africa in international institutions and the implications of artificial intelligence. Koné participated in a high-level meeting on protecting children's rights in the face of artificial intelligence. The meeting focused on adapting child protection mechanisms to technological transformations. This engagement is part of Côte d'Ivoire's priorities at the 81st session, which include international peace and security, sustainable development, and responsible governance of new technologies.
The 81st UN General Assembly session features various discussions on critical global issues. The Ivoirian delegation's participation aligns with the country's commitment to several key areas. These include reforming the multilateral system, enhancing Africa's representation, combating climate change, and ensuring responsible governance of emerging technologies. The general debate is set to continue until September 28, 2026.
Koné's advocacy for dialogue reflects a broader international appeal for cooperation and understanding. His speech at the UN General Assembly underscores Côte d'Ivoire's stance on peaceful resolution of conflicts. By emphasizing dialogue, Koné aimed to encourage a collaborative approach to addressing global challenges. This approach is seen as essential for achieving sustainable development and ensuring international peace and security.
The Ivoirian Vice President's participation in the high-level meeting on children's rights and artificial intelligence highlights the country's concern for the well-being of children in the digital age. The meeting addressed the need for updated mechanisms to protect children from the potential risks associated with AI. This engagement demonstrates Côte d'Ivoire's proactive stance on issues affecting children and its commitment to adapting to technological advancements.
The discussions at the 81st UN General Assembly session will likely influence international policies and cooperation on various critical issues. Côte d'Ivoire's contributions, led by Vice President Koné, reflect the country's active role in global diplomacy. The emphasis on dialogue, cooperation, and responsible governance of technology aligns with broader international efforts to address pressing global challenges effectively.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire's Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné calls for dialogue over confrontation in global crises at the 81st UN General Assembly.
