Cabo Verde's Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho recently participated in the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, marking his first appearance at the event. Carvalho's participation took place from September 21 to 26 and included a series of high-level meetings. On September 21, he attended an event promoted by the European Union, "Championing Diversity in Times of Adversity: Standing Up for LGBTQI Persons," and a ministerial roundtable organized by the United Kingdom.
On September 22, Carvalho attended the opening of the general debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, a high-level meeting on the implementation of the Pact for the Future in Africa, and a meeting dedicated to protecting children's rights in the face of artificial intelligence. He also participated in a reception hosted by the President of the United States on the occasion of the General Assembly. These meetings demonstrate Carvalho's commitment to engaging with global leaders on pressing issues.
On September 23, Carvalho participated in a high-level panel, "Reaffirming the Promise of Peace: Using the Power We Have," promoted by Finland, and the launch of the OceanEye Alliance, an initiative by the European Union and Canada aimed at strengthening ocean observation. Carvalho also intervened in a high-level meeting marking the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, advocating for economic and social progress that translates into "dignified living conditions for all."
During his intervention at the high-level meeting on climate action and just transition, Carvalho called for more ambitious climate action, enhanced adaptation and resilience, and access to predictable and adequate financing for vulnerable countries. He emphasized that investing in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is investing in global resilience, sustainable development, and a shared future. Carvalho's participation in these meetings underscores Cabo Verde's commitment to addressing global challenges.
On September 24, Carvalho attended a meeting of leaders of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and a high-level meeting on the existential threats posed by rising sea levels, where he intervened and co-chaired the meeting. The following day, he participated in a high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. These meetings highlight the pressing issues facing SIDS and the need for collective action.
On September 26, Carvalho delivered his first speech at the UN General Assembly, where he emphasized the importance of strengthening multilateralism, climate justice, and greater African representation in institutions. He reiterated Cabo Verde's commitment to the UN Charter and respect for international law, stressing that international humanitarian law must be applied universally. Carvalho also addressed the challenges of terrorism, violent extremism, and crime in Africa.
Carvalho outlined Cabo Verde's national priorities, including education, healthcare, digital transformation, gender equality, energy transition, water security, and blue economy development. He emphasized that development means transforming knowledge into opportunity and opportunity into dignity. The Prime Minister also highlighted the impacts of climate change on SIDS, including intense rainfall, desertification, and sea-level rise, and announced that Cabo Verde will assume the presidency of AOSIS in January 2027.
Key points
- Francisco Carvalho participated in the 81st UN General Assembly, highlighting Cabo Verde's priorities and global challenges.
- Carvalho called for more ambitious climate action and greater African representation in institutions.
- Cabo Verde will assume the presidency of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) in January 2027.
