Sub-Saharan Africa International Model UN (SAIMUN) Conference 2024.
Remarks of the UNON Director-General at the
Sub-Saharan Africa International Model UN (SAIMUN)
Friday, 19th July 2024
Dear delegates of the Sub-Saharan Africa International Model UN,
Good morning.
Welcome to our wonderful Gigiri campus at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON).
As the head of UNON, I am very pleased to have all of you, young people, here at the only United Nations headquarters in Africa and in the global south, and the largest United Nations compound worldwide.
UNON is not just a campus; it is a beacon of hope, hosting the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Habitat, along with over forty other pivotal UN agencies, funds, and programmes.
It is a place where the entirety of the UN’s mission—peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, development, and service delivery—finds a home.
We are excited that you - more than 1300 student delegates - have gathered here for this eighth edition of SAIMUN. I understand this is one of the largest SAIMUN convenings you have had, and we are glad to be hosting this gathering at such a pivotal time for the UN, the world, and of course, young people.
Dear delegates,
We stand at an inflection point in our shared history – a moment of great challenges but also, of equal opportunity for transformation and progress. Understanding these challenges is your first step toward mastering them. I will speak to just a few of them here.
First, we have the ongoing technological revolution. Its implications are far reaching. It has changed how we live, interact with one another and how we work. Yet, as we take advantage of these innovations, how do we in Africa, ensure we deploy technology to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, uplift our communities, and make sure no one is left behind?
The responsible use of technologies is key, so that we use them to our benefits but at the same time we should be wary about how harmful it can be with spread of misinformation, fake news or hate speech.
Second, climate change and the need for sustainable energy. 2023 marked the hottest year since we began to keep global records.
While Africa contributes the least to global emissions, we see the impacts of climate change in increasingly more extreme weather patterns – be it drought, flooding, or erratic rainfall seasons.
We must work together to realise a just transition to renewables, advocate for fair compensation for climate impacts, and take concrete steps to live in harmony with our one and only habitable planet.
And so we need action and engagement at all levels. I am very proud of you and youth in general, how you stand up and speak out on climate change.
Third, demographics.
By 2050, one in four people on Earth will be African. Many of you will be in your mid-forties by then. We must harness this demographic dividend for the betterment of the continent, and the world. We must invest in food security, health, and education, and ensure that African children grow up in a peaceful and secure environment.
As Africa is an integral part of the international community, we must also recognise and celebrate Africa’s intellectual, artistic and sports contributions to the world.
Fourth, the geopolitical landscape is shifting. The post-World War II institutions such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and more, that have long governed global affairs must evolve to reflect today’s realities. Initiatives like the African Union’s inclusion in the Group of 20 most powerful world economies (in brief G20) is one among many steps toward rebalancing the scales, but equitable global governance remains to be achieved.
These challenges set the stage for the world leaders’ Summit of the Future in New York this September.
It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for all of us to rebuild trust in a multilateralism system, one that, in word and deed, works for a world that is fair, just, and sustainable for all.
Just over two months ago, in May, we hosted here at UNON, the UN Civil Society Conference in Support of the Summit of the Future.
It is the first time in 69 editions that it was held in Africa. The majority of the over 3,000 global participants were from Africa. Over 40% [41.6%] were young people. As a civil society veteran myself, this gives me immense hope.
The September Summit of the Future will result in the Pact for the Future with annexes that are the Declaration on Future Generations and a Global Digital Compact.
The Declaration on Future Generations, in particular, aims to respond to an invitation from the UN Secretary-General to Member States and other stakeholders for specific steps to ensure that the interests of future generations are taken into account in national and global decision making.
Be part of the process. Do not be left behind. Keep yourself informed. Read and engage in dialogues and discussions.
We need to see meaningful youth engagement become the norm at all levels, backed up by dedicated resourcing everywhere around the world.
As you end your Conference, I urge you to take to heart that you too are part of the United Nations as stipulated in the UN Charter which starts with “We the Peoples.”
As young people, this is your United Nations and the United Nations stands with you.
You have a role to play in making this world better for current and future generations.
You are our beacon of hope. Let us all take steps to make this world a better place.
Asanteni!