New york: Angola reiterated its concern on Monday at the UN headquarters in New York regarding "the rise in unilateralism," resulting from the increasing prioritization of the interests of some countries to the detriment of the other members of the organization. This position was expressed by Angola's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Francisco Jos© da Cruz, during the Security Council's open debate on the theme "Reaffirming the Rule of International Law - Pathways to Revitalizing Peace, Justice and Multilateralism."
According to Angola Press News Agency, these actions, as explained by the Angolan diplomat, challenge the Charter of the United Nations and International Law, thus threatening the stability and effectiveness of global governance. He stated that, since its creation 80 years ago, the United Nations has played a 'central role in maintaining international peace and security', promoting fundamental human rights and defending respect for International Law, ensuring that the interests of all nations are represented and that decisions are taken to promote multilateralism.
Given the current scenario, Ambassador Francisco da Cruz argued that the multilateral system continues to be important to face multifaceted and complex global challenges through inclusive and concerted collective actions. He emphasized that the UN Charter and International Law are the 'foundations of a modern international system' to which all States must adhere to uphold multilateralism, resolve disputes peacefully and work together to reform and improve global governance.
He also advocated the construction of a fair and inclusive world and a comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to make it more democratic and equitable and better suited to respond to new emerging challenges. He highlighted the need for the aforementioned reform to also correct a historical injustice, guaranteeing Africa fair representation based on the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration of 2005, which advocate two seats in the category of permanent members with all rights and privileges and two additional non-permanent ones.
Throughout his speech, the Angolan diplomat reiterated that the UN must reform the multilateral system to maintain its strategic relevance, for the well-being of all humanity. In this context, he expressed Angola's support for the UN80 initiative to strengthen the United Nations system and 'prepare ourselves for the world's multifaceted and complex global challenges through inclusive improvements and concerted collective actions'.
Ambassador Francisco da Cruz recalled the statement by former UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskj¶ld, made in 1954, that 'the United Nations was created not to take us to paradise, but to save us from hell'.