UN’s Guterres Calls for Ending Injustices and Empowering Africa

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for correcting historical injustices against Africa during a speech to African leaders at the China-Africa forum on Thursday. Guterres emphasized the need for Africa to have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, highlighting the unfair exclusion of the continent from such a crucial global decision-making body. He stressed that it is outrageous that Africa, despite its significant population and contribution to global affairs, remains sidelined in this regard.

Guterres also addressed the economic challenges many African nations face, particularly regarding debt and limited access to sustainable development resources. He pointed out that many African countries struggle with insufficient funding and inadequate debt relief options, which hinder their ability to invest in critical areas for growth. This situation, he argued, perpetuates a cycle of underdevelopment and limits the continent’s potential for progress.

Moreover, Guterres acknowledged China’s role in supporting Africa’s development, praising its success in poverty eradication and development strategies. He expressed optimism about Africa’s potential to harness China’s support in key sectors like trade, technology, and finance. According to Guterres, China’s experience could serve as a catalyst for transformative progress in African economies, especially in food systems and digital connectivity.