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.
