President Chakwera of Malawi Calls for Urgent Action and Debt Relief at UN General Assembly
He argued that cancelling debt would help these nations recover economically and make strides toward achieving the SDGs.
New York, USA - President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of the Republic of Malawi addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) during its 78th session, emphasizing the critical need for immediate action to address pressing global challenges, including climate change, debt relief, and the importance of reform within the United Nations, writes Winston Mwale.
In his address, President Chakwera highlighted the responsibility of current leaders to shape a sustainable future for generations to come, even if they won't personally witness its fruition. He stressed that actions taken today will determine the world's future.
The President expressed his concern about the gap between rhetoric and action, urging global leaders to align their words with deeds.
He called for a genuine commitment to rebuilding trust, fostering global solidarity, and promoting peace. He emphasized that supporting one another and preventing conflict should be paramount.
President Chakwera specifically addressed the urgency of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
While acknowledging Malawi's progress on several SDGs, he emphasized the need for immediate support to safeguard those gains and prioritize areas where progress has been limited.
He particularly highlighted the importance of building resilience against shocks such as extreme weather events and economic disruptions.
Regarding climate change, President Chakwera called for decisive action on climate financing, stating that previous commitments had fallen short.
He urged developed countries to fulfill their promises to support mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage efforts in developing nations.
Additionally, he pressed for debt cancellation to alleviate the burden on least-developed countries (LDCs).
President Chakwera underscored the impact of economic shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine crisis on the progress of LDCs.
He argued that cancelling debt would help these nations recover economically and make strides toward achieving the SDGs.
The President also advocated for reform within the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to ensure greater inclusivity and representation. He echoed the United States' call for permanent African seats on the UN Security Council with veto power.
Concluding his address, President Chakwera called for a new development paradigm beyond 2030, emphasizing the need for true partnership between developed and developing nations.
He highlighted the importance of cooperation in addressing climate change, fostering innovation, and empowering youth to shape a brighter future.
President Chakwera's address at the UNGA reflects Malawi's commitment to addressing global challenges, advocating for debt relief, and pushing for reform within international organizations to ensure a more equitable and sustainable world.