On September 25, Mauritius' Foreign Minister Ritish Ramful addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, emphasizing that the sovereignty of Mauritius over the Chagos Islands is "non-negotiable." He recalled the agreement signed between Mauritius and the United Kingdom in May 2025, which demonstrates that multilateralism and judicial organs of the UN can contribute to the peaceful resolution of disputes and the completion of the decolonization process of Mauritius.
Ramful stressed the importance of respecting UN General Assembly resolutions, the decision of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. He called on states that contributed to establishing the post-war international legal order to fully respect international law and correct the "historical injustice" without delay. Additionally, he reaffirmed Mauritius' claim to Tromelin Island, stating that it is an integral part of the territory of the Republic of Mauritius.
The Mauritian minister also focused on the reform of the UN, questioning whether the organization remains adapted to the realities of the 21st century. He highlighted that developing countries risk being left behind in decisions surrounding new technologies and are underrepresented in the international financial architecture. Mauritius advocates for a reform of the Security Council, supporting the African common position expressed in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which includes at least two permanent and five non-permanent seats for Africa.
Ramful also addressed the Palestinian issue, reaffirming Mauritius' support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and an independent and sovereign state, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He expressed concern about illegal settlements, considered a major obstacle to peace. On September 23, he participated in an international conference on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian question, emphasizing the need for a just, comprehensive, and durable peace in the Middle East.
Climate change and its financing were another key aspect of Ramful's address. He called for more accessible and predictable climate financing and strengthening the capacities of the most vulnerable countries. He announced that Mauritius' ongoing constitutional review process includes the protection of "rights of nature." On September 23, he presented four pillars to mobilize the private sector: sovereign risk reduction mechanisms, mobilization of institutional assets, development of sustainable capital markets, and modernization of public-private partnerships.
The minister also touched on the challenges of new technologies, highlighting Mauritius' National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025-2029 and National Fintech Strategy 2026-2030. He advocated for an open, transparent, and inclusive dialogue on the governance of emerging technologies to ensure their benefits are shared equitably and risks are managed collectively. On September 23, he signed the "Seizing the AI Opportunity – AI Opportunity Statement," an initiative led by the United States.
In conclusion, Ramful's address at the UN General Assembly emphasized Mauritius' commitment to upholding international law, promoting sustainable development, and addressing global challenges. He reiterated the importance of reforming the UN to reflect the realities of the 21st century and ensuring that the organization remains effective in promoting peace, security, and cooperation among nations.
Key points
- Mauritius' Foreign Minister Ritish Ramful urges an end to the 'historical injustice' of the Chagos Islands at the UN General Assembly.
