OMM Redaksiyası
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for sweeping reforms to global governance, including permanent African representation on the UN Security Council and changes to multilateral financial institutions.
Speaking at the Unstoppable Africa 2026 forum on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, Guterres said the global financial system had been created “by the rich for the rich” and should better reflect the needs of developing countries, particularly those in Africa, according to the source.
He said Africa was a “double victim of colonialism”, arguing that historical subjugation prevented African countries from participating in the creation of post-World War II international institutions. As a result, he said, the Security Council and global financial bodies do not adequately reflect the continent’s population or interests.
Calls for a larger role in global decision-making
Guterres said African countries should receive permanent seats on the Security Council and in international financial institutions so they can take part directly in decisions affecting the global economy and security.
He also pointed to a structural shift in global markets, from simply doing business in Africa to “doing business with Africa”. Despite disruptions caused by wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, Africa’s economy grew by 4.4% last year, he said.
Trade conducted under the African Continental Free Trade Area is expected to reach $230 billion this year, according to Guterres. He said this created an opportunity for African countries to retain more economic value domestically instead of depending on exports of raw materials.
Critical minerals and renewable energy
The UN chief warned against continued exploitation of Africa’s natural resources amid intensifying geopolitical competition. He said critical minerals and other resources should generate local value and decent jobs rather than being shipped abroad with limited benefits for producing countries.
Guterres highlighted progress in renewable energy and digital technology across Africa. He cited Kenya’s production of more than 90% of its electricity from renewable sources, Morocco’s plans for a submarine power cable to Europe, Tunisia’s international competition in artificial intelligence and Rwanda’s development of nationwide drone logistics.
He called on multilateral development banks to expand concessional lending, turn climate commitments into concrete adaptation funding and direct more capital to female entrepreneurs, who account for more than half of business owners on the continent.
Guterres also linked economic development to lasting peace, praising African-led mediation efforts in conflicts including those in Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He said sustainable development could not be achieved without political stability.
