On September 24, 2026, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye delivered a speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly. He emphasized the need for a stronger, more representative, and effective UN. According to President Faye, the world faces numerous challenges that require a robust and efficient international organization. The current situation, he noted, is marked by financial concerns that impact the UN's operational capacity.

President Faye highlighted the difficulties facing the UN, including peace operations and the delayed achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. He stressed that despite these challenges, the Senegalese government does not consider the multilateral approach outdated. Instead, President Faye argued that the accumulation of crises worldwide necessitates a more effective UN. He emphasized that fragmenting the multilateral system would not resolve crises and that the UN's primary purpose is dialogue, conflict prevention, and cooperation.

The Senegalese President supports the "ONU 80" initiative, which offers an opportunity for structural and normative transformations within the UN. He suggested that reforming the organization should focus on making it less bureaucratic, more agile, and efficient in its spending. President Faye also mentioned Senegal's contribution to strengthening the UN system, including the construction of the Maison des Nations Unies in Diamniadio, a new city near Dakar.

The Maison des Nations Unies, equipped with the latest technologies, will host all UN entities in one location, promoting coherence and efficiency. President Faye also emphasized that a stronger UN requires member states to respect their financial commitments. He noted that Senegal supports the dynamic of reforming the UN to make it more effective and representative.

President Faye's speech at the UN General Assembly reflects Senegal's commitment to multilateralism and the strengthening of international institutions. He highlighted the importance of cooperation and dialogue in addressing global challenges. The Senegalese President's call for a more effective UN resonated with the assembly, emphasizing the need for collective action to address pressing global issues.

The 80th UN General Assembly brought together world leaders to discuss pressing global challenges. President Faye's participation in the assembly underscores Senegal's role in international diplomacy and cooperation. His speech highlighted the need for a stronger, more representative UN that can effectively address the complex challenges facing the world.

In conclusion, President Faye's address to the UN General Assembly emphasized the need for a stronger, more representative, and effective UN. He highlighted the challenges facing the organization and proposed solutions, including reform and increased cooperation among member states. The Senegalese President's call for collective action and multilateralism resonated with the assembly, emphasizing the importance of working together to address global challenges.

Key points

  • President Faye calls for a stronger, more representative, and effective UN.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.