Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie advocates for strengthened multilateral efforts to address poverty and calls for UN reforms to support Africa’s representation.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie has issued a resounding call for enhanced multilateralism to tackle one of humanity’s most enduring challenges—global poverty. Speaking at the UN Summit of the Future in New York, the Foreign Minister passionately emphasized the urgent need for international cooperation and solidarity, stressing that progress cannot be achieved in isolation.
Taye’s speech at the summit came as world leaders gathered to discuss strategies for a more cooperative and secure future, amid rising global tensions and inequalities. He highlighted three key documents being adopted at the summit: the Pact for the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations, and the Global Digital Compact, which collectively aim to foster international collaboration.
In a time when global rivalries and unilateral policies often dominate the world stage, Taye championed a vision for global peace and development that moves from conflict toward cooperation. “We must shift from rivalry to cooperation, and build bridges,” he urged, framing collaboration as essential for tackling issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change. His message was clear: multilateralism must prevail if we are to attain the core goals of the global development agenda.
Central to his speech was the role of the United Nations, which Taye described as the cornerstone of global cooperation. However, he didn’t shy away from the organization’s shortcomings, calling for reforms to ensure that the UN remains relevant in a rapidly changing world. “The UN must overcome the influence of selective national interests,” he stressed, urging the institution to step up its commitment to neutral, inclusive dialogue on pressing international matters.
As a key voice for African representation, Taye also addressed the urgent need for reform of the UN Security Council, a body he believes must better reflect the diversity of the global community, particularly Africa’s evolving role on the world stage. He pressed for greater solidarity and political commitment within the UN, especially in supporting nations that are working tirelessly to eradicate poverty through their own policies.
Taye’s address was not just a call for reform—it was a rallying cry for the global community to come together in solidarity. He underscored the principles that should guide the UN’s work: sovereignty, non-interference, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. As international tensions flare, Taye warned against alliances and regional groupings that undermine these foundational principles, advocating instead for a world where cooperation and equality reign supreme.
His words were a stark reminder of the need for strong, effective multilateralism, not only to confront poverty but to build a future where peace, security, and equality are shared by all.
As the world faces mounting crises, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister left no doubt that now is the time for action—through cooperation, not division.
