Bridging the Divide: General Assembly President on UN Reforms and Africa’s Digital Future
February 7, 2025
New York, NY – Speaking at the opening of the United Nations General Assembly’s 76th session, President Abdulla Shahid outlined his priorities for UN reform and the importance of digital transformation in Africa.
UN Reforms
President Shahid called for “bold and transformative” reforms to strengthen the UN’s effectiveness and relevance in the 21st century. He proposed a number of measures, including:
- Expanding the Security Council: Adding new permanent and non-permanent members to reflect the changed global realities.
- Reforming the voting system: Moving to a system of weighted voting to give more voice to smaller countries.
- Creating a new UN development agency: Consolidating the existing agencies to improve coordination and efficiency.
- Strengthening the UN human rights system: Establishing a new UN human rights court to hold perpetrators of gross violations accountable.
“The UN must evolve to meet the challenges of our time,” said President Shahid. “We must bridge the divide between our aspirations and our actions.”
Africa’s Digital Future
President Shahid also highlighted the importance of digital transformation for Africa, emphasizing its potential to accelerate economic growth, improve education and healthcare, and empower citizens. He called on the international community to support Africa’s digital infrastructure and skills development.
“Digital transformation is not a luxury; it is a necessity for Africa’s future,” said President Shahid. “We must ensure that everyone in Africa has access to the tools and technologies they need to thrive in the digital age.”
Pathways for Progress
To achieve these goals, President Shahid outlined four key pathways forward:
- Consensus building: Promoting dialogue and collaboration among member states to reach consensus on critical issues.
- Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to address global challenges.
- Partnership: Working closely with international organizations, civil society, and the private sector.
- Accountability: Holding all actors accountable for their commitments and actions.
“Let us work together to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous world for all,” concluded President Shahid. “Together, we can bridge the divide and create a better future for all.”
Reactions
The President’s speech was welcomed by many member states and civil society organizations. Ambassadors from South Africa, India, and Brazil expressed support for the proposed UN reforms, emphasizing the need for a more representative and effective organization.
Representatives from the World Bank and the African Union also commended the focus on digital transformation in Africa. They pledged to continue working with the UN to promote digital connectivity and skills development across the continent.
However, some critics questioned the feasibility of the proposed reforms, arguing that they were too ambitious or would face resistance from powerful countries. Others expressed concerns about the potential impact of digital transformation on privacy and inequality.
As the General Assembly continues its session, member states will engage in discussions and negotiations on the proposed reforms and the future of Africa’s digital journey. The outcomes of these discussions will shape the UN’s agenda for the years to come.
Bridging the divide: General Assembly President on UN reforms and Africa’s digital future
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