Staff Reporter
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has called for an intensified global fight against inequality and a comprehensive reform of the United Nations during his address at the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
President Lula underscored the lack of gender balance in key UN leadership positions and advocated for greater inclusion of African nations in the organisation’s decision-making processes.
Delivering his remarks today, President Lula pointed out the gender disparities at the highest levels of the UN, emphasising that the role of UN Secretary-General has never been occupied by a woman.
"There is no gender balance in the highest positions; the position of secretary-general has never been held by a woman," President Lula stated, calling for change.
The Brazilian leader also highlighted that the United Nations is nearing its 80th anniversary, yet its founding principles and governance structures have remained outdated.
He noted that many of the countries that now make up the UN had no voice when the organisation was established, particularly those in Africa, which were still under colonial rule at the time.
“When the UN was founded, we were 51 countries. We are now 193 countries. Several countries, mainly on the African continent, were under colonial rule when the UN was founded and had no say over its goals and functioning," President Lula added, calling for African nations to have a greater say in shaping the organisation’s future.
The Brazilian President further stressed that global leaders must not accept the persistent issues of hunger, inequality, unemployment, and violence in an increasingly globalised world.
He urged for more international cooperation, pointing out that even after the COVID-19 pandemic, world leaders have failed to enhance collaboration to address these urgent problems.
President Lula criticised the high levels of global military spending, suggesting that such resources should instead be directed toward combating hunger and climate change.
“These resources could have been used to finance the fight against hunger and climate change,” he said, pressing for more concerted international action.
Also giving his remarks at the UNGA, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the United Nations for falling short of its founding mission.
He argued that the organization has lost its effectiveness and has become increasingly irrelevant in addressing global challenges.
"To put it bluntly, unfortunately, in the last few years the United Nations has failed to fulfil its founding mission and has gradually become a dysfunctional structure," Erdogan stated, calling for urgent reforms to restore the UN's role in promoting peace, security, and global cooperation.
Political commentator Calvin Chitsunge, a renowned expert on African governance, emphasised the importance of granting African nations permanent seats on the UN Security Council.
“African countries are critical players in global peace and security, yet they lack representation in the body responsible for maintaining international peace. A permanent seat would ensure that African perspectives are included in decisions that directly affect the continent,” Chitsunge stated.
Gender expert Mary Chuma applauded President Lula’s remarks on gender balance in the UN.
“Having women in top UN positions is essential not only for equality but for the effectiveness of the organization. Women bring different perspectives and solutions, which are crucial in addressing the complex global challenges we face today,” said Professor Chuma.
Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa will not be attending this year’s UNGA in person due to his demanding domestic schedule. He will be represented by Foreign Minister Frederick Shava, who is expected to deliver Zimbabwe's statement at the high-level gathering.
