UN Secretary-General Applauds Ethiopia’s Multilateral Role, Reaffirms Call for Global Governance Reform

Addis Ababa, May 13, 2026 (FMC) — The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has praised Ethiopia’s longstanding commitment to international cooperation and its enduring role in advancing multilateralism.

Speaking at the National Palace during the launch of a commemorative stamp series marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, Guterres highlighted the deep-rooted partnership between Ethiopia and the UN, noting that Ethiopia was among the organization’s 51 founding members.

The Secretary-General said Ethiopia’s history as an ancient civilization that preserved its independence during the colonial era reflects the country’s national strength, adding that nations with a strong past are well positioned for a strong future.

He also commended the rapid transformation of Addis Ababa into a major diplomatic hub, describing the city’s growing global role as remarkable.

Addressing global governance, Guterres stressed the need for reform of the United Nations Security Council and international financial institutions to ensure fair representation for Africa.

He described Ethiopia’s call for a reformed United Nations and permanent African representation on the Security Council as legitimate, emphasizing the importance of correcting historical imbalances.

The UN chief noted that many global institutions were established when much of Africa remained under colonial rule, while Ethiopia stood among the few independent African voices represented from the beginning.

Guterres further called for stronger participation of developing nations in global financial decision-making, noting that African countries, including Ethiopia, continue to demonstrate resilience and growing economic dynamism.

In his concluding remarks, the Secretary-General reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s national and regional efforts toward peace and development.

He also paid tribute to Ethiopian peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel serving in UN missions around the world, describing the Ethiopia–UN partnership as vital to building a better future for Africa.

Guterres emphasized that the founding promises of the United Nations — peace, justice, and prosperity — remain as urgent today as they were eight decades ago, adding that the world continues to count on Ethiopia’s leadership in advancing those ideals.