Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abd El-Atti has emphasized Egypt's support for reforming the United Nations to enhance its efficiency and ability to address the priorities of its member states. This statement was made during his participation in a high-level working dinner organized by the Egyptian Mission in New York in collaboration with the International Peace Institute. The event, titled "Africa, the International System, and Discussion with Candidates for the Position of UN Secretary-General," took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of selecting a UN Secretary-General based on competence, integrity, and diplomatic capabilities, given the increasing challenges facing the international system and the organization's role in maintaining international peace and security. He stressed the need for the next Secretary-General to play an active role in strengthening the partnership between the UN and the African Union. This includes giving greater attention to African priorities, particularly issues of peace and security, in light of ongoing conflicts and crises in the region.
Dr. Abd El-Atti also emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive reform of the UN that is grounded in international law and concurrent with efforts to reform the Security Council. This includes achieving fair representation for Africa, in line with the "Ezulwini Consensus" and the "Sirte Declaration," which are seen as the frameworks that express a unified African position. These are considered the only means to address the historical injustice in the representation of the African continent within the Security Council.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister further stressed the importance of the UN continuing to play a pivotal role in leading the international development agenda and enhancing efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. He underscored the need for accessible, sustainable development financing and addressing the debt crisis. This would enable developing countries to direct their resources towards achieving development and improving the living standards of their populations.
Dr. Abd El-Atti called for support in reforming the international financial system to make it more equitable and responsive to the needs of developing countries. He also highlighted the importance of international cooperation to address climate change, provide climate finance, transfer technology, and build capacities for developing countries. This should be done while considering their developmental conditions and priorities, without imposing additional burdens.
The push for UN reform and fairer African representation in the Security Council reflects Egypt's commitment to addressing global challenges and promoting a more equitable international order. The Egyptian Foreign Minister's statements underscore the interconnectedness of global issues and the need for collective action to address them.
Egypt's diplomatic efforts at the UN General Assembly highlight its active role in international diplomacy and its commitment to fostering a more just and sustainable world. The country's advocacy for UN reform, African representation, and addressing global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development underscores its engagement with the international community on critical issues.
Key points
- Egypt calls for comprehensive UN reform to enhance its efficiency and ability to address member states' priorities.
- The country emphasizes the need for fair representation of Africa in the UN Security Council, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.
- Egypt also stresses the importance of international cooperation on climate change, sustainable development, and reforming the international financial system.
