Michaël Randrianirina, President of Madagascar, said new emerging challenges must not overshadow the international community’s need to address existing priorities such as food insecurity, disease, armed conflict and natural disasters.

“Trust has eroded over time and the most vulnerable people are suffering,” he said, as they endure health crises and hunger exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts.

“The realities on the ground speak for themselves,” he said, pointing to women in the south of Madagascar who walk dozens of kilometres in scorching heat to find water in dried-up rivers.

He said that recurring humanitarian emergencies require development partners to invest in the country so it can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.  Food insecurity is impacting the health of women and children.  The country wants to develop a future for its youth as 55 per cent of the country’s population is under the age of 25.

“They provide a tremendous dividend for the country to build a dynamic future,” he said, noting the country aims to develop an educational system that ensures they acquire the skills to find viable jobs.

He explained that the country’s foreign policy is guided by the well-being of its people, and the country maintains a position of neutrality. Maritime security in the Mozambique Channel and Indian Ocean is at the heart of the country’s regional initiatives.

More inclusive global governance, he said, requires a rebalance of decision-making and the United Nations must be reformed so it serves all nations.

Full political power must be restored to the Assembly, as it is the only institution where every nation has an equal vote, he emphasized, urging the Organization to correct the imbalance of African representation on the Council.

“Africa cannot remain on the margins of decision-making,” he said, noting Africa has 1.4 billion inhabitants and needs a permanent representative on the Council.  The global financial architecture also needs rebalancing.

“Reforms are essential so the United Nations can address the challenges of today and tomorrow,” he added.