AYV News, August 13, 2024

In an incredible and historic moment, the United Nations Secretary General (UNSC), the President of the United Nation General Assembly (UNGA), the United States (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Japan and other members – permanent and non-permanent members have joined Sierra Leone, and the African Union to ask for permanent representation of Africa in the UN Security Council with urgency.

President Bio said: “As the President of the United Nations Security Council, I have the honour to preside over a historic debate on the reform of the UN Security Council. I spoke as a representative of a Continent that has long been under-represented in the Council that shapes our world on matters of peace and security. Let me restate that the time for half-measures and incremental progress is over. Africa’s voice must be heard, and its demands for justice and equity must be met. I thank the UN Secretary-General, H.E António Guterres, the President of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly, H.E Denis Francis, and Dr. Sithembele Mbete for their very insightful and thought-provoking briefings”.

President Bio leads the UN Security Council to a historic next step for Africa’s rightful role around the table.

August 12, 2024, is a historic day at the United Nations Security Council. This is the first time the UN Security Council is having a debate directly focused on the topic of the reform of the UNSC.

Chaired by the President of Sierra Leone, H.E Julius Maada Bio, the debate held at a high level focused on addressing the historical injustice and enhancing

Africa’s effective representation in the Security Council.

Unanimously, the UNSC has asked that the “Pact for the Future” to be developed at the Summit for the Future in September 2024 make this a matter of priority.

This is about equity, justice, effectiveness, legitimacy, and inclusion. See page 8 for President Bio’s full address at the UNSC yesterday.