By Ajong Mbapndah L
The African Group of Permanent Representatives has taken a decisive step in shaping the continent’s response to the United Nations’ most significant reform process in decades. According to a press release from the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union (AU) to the UN, African ambassadors convened in New York on November 26, 2025, for a one-day retreat dedicated to building a unified and strategic position on the UN80 Initiative — a comprehensive transformation agenda marking the UN’s 80th anniversary.
Hosted by the AU Mission, the retreat brought together Permanent Representatives, Deputy Permanent Representatives, UNGA Committee Coordinators, technical experts, and staff of the AU Permanent Observer Mission. Their discussions centered on the theme “Strategic African Response to the UN80 Reform Initiative”, a topic African diplomats say will heavily influence the continent’s place in a fast-changing global governance landscape.
Welcoming the delegates, H.E. Ambassador Tommo Monthe of Cameroon, Dean of the African Group, framed the UN80 moment as one of historic consequence. He noted that the reform package represents a pivotal test for the future of multilateralism and for Africa’s ability to secure a stronger, more equitable role within the international system. Amb. Monthe urged African States to approach the process with unity and purpose, emphasizing that only a coordinated front can deliver meaningful gains in representation, justice, and inclusive development. The retreat, he said, should serve as a springboard for forging the coherent positions Africa needs at this crucial juncture.
In his keynote remarks, H.E. Ambassador Ekitela Lokaale, Permanent Representative of Kenya and Chair of the African Group for November 2025, stressed that Africa is not approaching UN80 as a silent bystander, but as a full and equal stakeholder determined to shape a more inclusive and effective United Nations. He recalled that the UN Secretary-General has framed UN80 as a moment of deep institutional transformation aimed at creating a more agile and resilient organization. Ambassador Lokaale highlighted the broad reform thrust — from improving operational efficiency to reviewing mandates and realigning the UN’s structure — and underlined that the implications for Africa, the Global South, and the future of multilateral cooperation are profound.
Also speaking at the opening session, Ambassador Sofia Borges, Chief of Cabinet to the President of the General Assembly, delivered remarks on behalf of the PGA, acknowledging Africa’s indispensable role in stabilizing global consensus on reform. H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Edrees, the African Union’s Permanent Observer to the UN, welcomed participants warmly and commended the African Group for approaching UN80 with strategic foresight rather than reactive diplomacy.
Throughout the day, African Permanent Representatives received detailed briefings on the revised estimate of the UN’s 2026 programme budget, the ongoing mandate implementation review, and the structural adjustments taking place across the UN architecture. These technical sessions set the stage for a candid and interactive discussion on how Africa can position itself more effectively during the UN80 negotiations. Amb. Tommo Monthe urged participants to seize the retreat as an opportunity to sharpen Africa’s collective voice and influence. With solidarity and strategic coordination, he noted, Africa can help steer the UN toward a future that is more representative and responsive to the world’s most urgent development and peace-related needs.
The retreat closed on a warm note as the African Group presented farewell tributes to H.E. Ambassador Osama Abdel Khalek of Egypt and H.E. Ambassador Harold Agyemang of Ghana, honoring their years of service, leadership, and dedication to strengthening Africa’s diplomatic presence at the UN.
As momentum builds toward the UN80 milestone, the African Group’s retreat underscores a clear message: Africa intends not only to participate in the UN’s reform process but to shape it. With its demographic weight, developmental priorities, and leadership on peace and security, African diplomats insist the continent deserves a central voice in designing the UN of the future. The New York retreat marks an important step toward that ambition — and toward ensuring that Africa enters the UN80 era not just unified, but influential.
