Cote d'Ivoire's Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné is leading the country's delegation at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He emphasized the need for Africa to have a stronger voice in international decision-making processes. According to a statement from the Presidency of the Republic, Koné highlighted the growing importance of Africa on the global stage and its need for greater representation in key decision-making bodies.
Koné's intervention at the UN General Assembly focused on the necessity for Africa to be "at the table of discussions" rather than being "on the menu of discussions." This statement underscores the push for greater African involvement in global governance mechanisms, particularly as international issues increasingly impact the continent's interests and populations. The issue of African representation on the UN Security Council is a key aspect of this effort.
The 81st session of the UN General Assembly, which began on September 22, 2026, will continue until September 28, 2026. Koné is set to deliver the Ivoirian delegation's address on September 24. This address is expected to outline Cote d'Ivoire's stance on major international issues, including security, development, international cooperation, and global governance.
In addition to his participation in the General Assembly, Koné attended a high-level meeting on the protection of children in the era of artificial intelligence. The meeting, co-chaired by the presidents of France and Kenya, as well as the prime ministers of Spain and Australia, focused on safeguarding children's rights in the face of rapid advancements in AI technology.
The high-level meeting discussed ways to better protect minors from the impacts of AI development. The goal is to evolve protection mechanisms in line with the rapid evolution of AI technologies that affect children's rights, safety, and well-being. An international coalition, launched in Geneva in July 2026, aims to address these challenges through collective action and the adoption of operational measures to regulate AI usage concerning children.
The "Coalition for the Rights and Protection of Children in the Age of Artificial Intelligence" was initiated by France, Spain, and Kenya, among others. This coalition seeks to bridge the gap between the swift development of AI and the existing mechanisms designed to protect children. It promotes cooperation among states and the implementation of practical measures to safeguard children in the context of AI.
Koné's advocacy for African representation at the UN and his participation in discussions on protecting children from AI-related risks highlight Cote d'Ivoire's proactive engagement with global issues. His efforts reflect the country's commitment to ensuring that Africa's voice is heard in international forums and that the continent plays a more significant role in shaping global policies.
Key points
- Cote d'Ivoire's Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné calls for greater African representation in international decision-making at the UN General Assembly.
