It is a privilege to join you today as the United Kingdom’s new Minister for Africa and the United Nations.
I am grateful to President Bio for putting this vital issue on the agenda. It is important that we have this discussion today – we are running out of time.
The challenges we face today do not respect borders and they are sorely testing the international order the United Nations has championed.
The highest number of conflicts since the Second World War, a worsening climate crisis, widespread economic hardship and desperate humanitarian need. This is all fuelling a pervasive sense of insecurity and we must find truly global solutions to these problems.
Let me take this opportunity to underscore the United Kingdom’s belief that multilateral institutions remain indispensable here. But they are struggling under the strain of new global challenges.
For these institutions to represent the world of today, they must be as effective as they can be. So, we will work tirelessly with our allies and partners to strengthen them.
For this Council, that means expanding our membership in both categories, to include permanent African representation as a matter of urgency.
We have seen how much African members bring to this chamber through their experience and expertise, particularly as we’ve heard, in terms of responding to conflicts and promoting peace and security. As Ms Mbete said, they are vital agents for change and progress and they must be heard. The UK is proud to be working alongside our African partners on issues that are at the forefront of the Council’s agenda.
This includes on Sudan, where we seek a political solution to end the devastating manmade crisis which has now resulted in famine in the country. Or Somalia, where the Council is working closely with the African Union and Somali authorities to support security transition and counter Al Shabaab.
President, Your Excellency, your own country’s experience of transitioning from war to peace, in partnership with the UN, provides us with valuable lessons.
Of course, I recognise that the obstacles to reform are significant, but the United Kingdom is determined, absolutely determined, to overcome them.
Thank you, Mr President.
