–President Ali says, issues call for reforms at UN Security Council, other global platforms

WITH wars raging and many vulnerabilities increasing, Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali on Wednesday echoed calls for global reforms to address the disproportionate concentration of power that favours the voices of powerful nations while marginalising the concerns of the broader international community.
The Guyana Head of State, during his address to the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, pointed out that developing countries are justly demanding more inclusive and representative decision-making processes in institutions and organs such as the UN Security Council.

He said, too, that reforms at the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) are needed to ensure fairer trade for developing countries.
Dr. Ali said: “These reforms must go beyond fair representation, and ensure that the policies and practices of these institutions align with the developmental needs and aspirations of all countries.”
Citing the humanitarian crises in countries like Haiti and Sudan, and the raging wars in Ukraine and Palestine, Dr. Ali said the UN must honour its mandate as the “custodian” of peace.
“In this emerging global order, we must ensure the United Nations remains at the forefront of global governance. If multilateralism is to trump unilateralism, the UN’s role as the world’s foremost multilateral organisation is pivotal,” he said.
The Guyanese leader believes the UN, with the necessary resources, could assist to resolve conflicts, and ensure a future of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity.

“The future we seek; a future where no one is left behind, demands courageous action. The UN must fulfil its role as a custodian of greater global peace; the foremost promoter of sustainable development, and an unflinching protector of human rights, human dignity and international law. And since the UN is all of us; this body of nations, this is a collective responsibility for us all,” Dr. Ali said.

In January 2024, Guyana assumed its seat as an elected member of the UNSC for a two-year term, 2024-2025, and this milestone was a momentous occasion for this nation. The country also presided over the crucial global body in the month of February 2024, and has received notable credit for its contribution to the body during its tenure.

Guyana’s distinguished role on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was described as nothing short of ‘outstanding’.
Last month, the then President of the United Nations General Assembly, Ambassador Dennis Francis highlighted how the nation has been using its platform to contribute to global peace and security efforts worldwide, and when it spoke, everyone listened.
Francis highlighted Guyana’s role on this influential body, which has been rooted in strengthening multilateralism.

The former UN General Assembly President had said: “There’s only one word to characterise it: Outstanding. Guyana made us all very proud as Caribbean States in the United Nations, in the way in which Permanent Representative Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett conducted herself as a member, and in the Presidency of the General Assembly, because the presidency rotates on a monthly basis.

“…When Guyana opened its mouth, everyone listened, because what was being put forward was of such substance and depth that it could not be ignored.”
He said that Guyana on the UNSC is a prime demonstration that small countries have big contributions to make, when it comes to being committed to international peace and security.
The Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It comprises 15 members (permanent/non-permanent), and each member has one vote. Under the charter of the United Nations, all member states are obligated to comply with Council decisions