“More trust between States needs to come about,” stressed Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of Senegal, underscoring the need to address the current crisis in international law and promote economic and social progress for all.

As armed conflicts persist and terrorism grows,  Senegal, in its role as current leader of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), aims to bring peace to the region, working together with the African Union.

As the “scourge of terrorism is cross border by its very nature”, he said stabilization of the Sahel must be urgently pursued.

Noting the rise in unilaterism, he said:  “Some might view multilateralism as a relic”, but Senegal believes that current crises need a more effective United Nations.  The international community “will not settle crises by allowing the multilateral system to become more piecemeal”.

In supporting efforts to strengthen the UN, Senegal has pooled its resources to build a UN House near Dakar, which will headquarter UN system entities in promoting more effectiveness in its work.

Turning to the Security Council, he said its composition is outdated, while stressing that its “expansion must not lead to more inertia”.  Supporting the African position on needed reform to the Council, he said Senegal will present its candidacy as a non-permanent member for the period 2032-2033.

In the first event of its kind, Senegal will also host the Youth Olympic Games from 31 October to 31 November in promoting a generation that wishes to come together rather than stand apart.