NEW YORK: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called for strengthening African countries’ role in addressing global security and development challenges, with Pakistan backing their demands, saying, “Africa is on the rise”.
The UNSC reiterated its support for the role of the African Union and sub-regional organizations in promoting peace and security on the continent. Africa rightly demands rectification of the historic injustice in its representation on the UNSC and other international organizations, Pakistani Ambassador Munir Akram told the fifteen-member Council during its debate on the continent’s critical role in addressing international security and development challenges, convened by Mozambique, the Council President for May.
According to APP, the UNSC also expressed support for progress in enhancing the role and representation of African countries in global governance and decision-making processes. Moreover, the Council called on the global community to honour their respective commitments regarding financing for development and support the strengthening of the capabilities of African nations to seize the opportunities for a proactive engagement with the wider world and advance African ownership of global peace, security and development efforts.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that all of these efforts require peace in Africa and beyond, noting that too many Africans are caught up in the hell of conflicts, or living with the relentless danger of extremism in their communities and terrorism.
Pakistan Ambassador Highlights Africa’s Resources
In his remarks, Ambassador Akram, noting Africa’s plentiful resources, and fertile lands and said that following its independence in 1947, Pakistan actively participated in the liberation of African nations. Emphasizing that “Africa is on the rise”, he urged “new” peace operations with broader and more robust mandates, adequate resources and advanced equipment.
