Lord Collins of Highbury, the United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa and the United Nations, has expressed gratitude to Sierra Leone’s President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for advocating the inclusion of permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He emphasized the importance of addressing this issue promptly, noting that the global challenges we face today transcend national borders and are testing the international order upheld by the UN.
Lord Collins underscored the urgent need for permanent African representation on the UNSC, highlighting its significance for enhancing Africa’s role in global security discussions. He stated: “It is an honor to be here today as the UK’s new Minister for Africa and the United Nations. We are facing the highest number of conflicts since World War II, worsening climate crises, widespread economic difficulties, and severe humanitarian needs. These issues are creating a pervasive sense of insecurity that demands truly global solutions.”
The Minister affirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening multilateral institutions, which are currently strained by new global challenges. He emphasized that for these institutions to effectively address contemporary issues, they must be reformed to better reflect today’s world. The UK will work diligently with its allies and partners to support this reform, including expanding the UNSC membership to include permanent African representatives.
Lord Collins praised the contributions of African members to the UNSC, noting their valuable experience and expertise in conflict resolution and peace promotion. He cited ongoing issues such as the crisis in Sudan and the situation in Somalia, where African involvement is crucial for achieving political solutions and supporting security transitions.
He concluded by acknowledging the lessons learned from Sierra Leone’s transition from conflict to peace with UN support and reaffirmed the UK’s determination to overcome the significant obstacles to reform.
