Luanda: The Angola and African Union President, Joo Lourenço, reiterated, on Thursday, the urgency of reforms at the United Nations, with emphasis on the Security Council, in order to significantly improve its functioning and strengthen its capacity to respond to current challenges. The Head of State expressed his position in a message published on the UN website, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter, the founding document of the organization, initiated in San Francisco on June 26, 1945.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Joo Lourenço highlighted the important role played by the UN over eight decades, growing from 51 to 193 members and expanding its activities to social and economic areas. However, he noted that the institution presents evident weaknesses, especially in resolving persistent crises in regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. “The persistence of serious unresolved issues in several regions of the world indicates weaknesses that sh
ould compel us to act in an environment of cohesion and unity,” he said.
The President emphasized that structural reforms, mainly in the Security Council, are an urgent imperative. Despite the complexity of the issue, he argued that the matter should be addressed objectively and without subjectivism, in order to reflect the current configuration of the world. “We must all strive to materialize this fundamental objective in order to contribute to strengthening the role of the United Nations and reaffirming its legitimacy in the current global context,” he said, emphasizing that the UN must remain the main factor for peace, stability, and global security.
Joo Lourenço also proposed a reflection on the trajectory of humanity since the end of World War II, highlighting the progress achieved thanks to the coordinated action of the United Nations in areas such as the fight against hunger and poverty, and the promotion of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, access to education, health, and employm
ent. The President recognized the merit of the organization in adapting to geopolitical transformations over the decades, expanding its scope of intervention beyond politics and assuming increasing responsibilities in matters of economic and social development.