By Emmanuel M. Kangar, Jr.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for stronger African representation in global decision-making institutions, saying the international system continues to operate in ways that exclude the continent.
Speaking at the opening of the Africa Forward Summit, Guterres said global governance structures were “designed without Africa—and still largely operate without Africa,” arguing that this perpetuates long-standing historical injustices.
He noted that Africa, a continent of more than 1.5 billion people, remains without permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, despite its growing global importance.
Guterres also pointed to what he described as limited African influence within international financial institutions that play a major role in shaping economic policies affecting the continent.
“It is not Africa that loses. It is the world that loses by the fact that the voice of Africa is not taken into account,” the UN chief said.
His remarks highlighted ongoing global debates about reforms to international governance systems, including calls for expanded representation for developing regions, particularly Africa.
The Secretary-General’s statement was delivered at the high-level summit, which brings together African leaders, policymakers, and international partners to discuss development, security, and economic transformation across the continent.
The Africa Forward Summit is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation between African states and global institutions, as well as addressing challenges related to governance, investment, and sustainable development.
Guterres’ comments were widely interpreted as a renewed push for reforms at the UN and other multilateral bodies to reflect current global demographics and geopolitical realities.
