Angolan President Urges Multilateral Reform at UN Summit
LUANDA, Angola — President João Lourenço issued a powerful plea for global stability at the opening of the third International Conference of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) on Thursday, calling for a revamped multilateral system that prioritizes diplomacy over the “use of force.”
Speaking to an audience of world leaders and diplomats in Luanda, Lourenço argued that today’s international institutions must become more representative and inclusive to tackle modern crises. The conference, themed “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars, and Respect for International Law,” comes at a time of escalating global tension.
A Call for Restraint Amid Global Volatility
In his address, President Lourenço pointed to the “deteriorating” international landscape, citing a worrying trend of violence and disregard for human dignity. He urged world powers to exercise restraint and pursue negotiated settlements for conflicts spanning the globe.
“It is urgent that we join efforts to help resolve the armed conflicts prevailing in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, the Sahel, Somalia, Ukraine, Myanmar, and the Middle East—including Palestine and Lebanon,” Lourenço stressed.
The President also voiced sharp concern regarding the rise of terrorism and the “growing use of mercenaries” to overthrow democratically elected governments, warning that such actions undermine both domestic and international law.
Angola as a Blueprint for Reconciliation
Lourenço drew on Angola’s own history of civil war to emphasize that peace is a fragile achievement requiring constant nurturing. He described Angola as a now-stable nation committed to democracy and open to foreign investment, shaped by its “sacrifice and consolidated national reconciliation.”
“Our experience teaches us that no objective justifies the destruction and suffering caused by war,” he noted. “Peace is built through dialogue, inclusion, and trust.”
A High-Level Gathering for Peace
The summit brought together significant figures in international diplomacy, including African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi. Video addresses were delivered by the leaders of Portugal, Cape Verde, and Timor-Leste.
UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the UNAOC, Miguel Moratinos, echoed Lourenço’s sentiments, praising Angola’s role as a regional mediator. “Peace is not merely the absence of war, but reconciliation, inclusion, and a shared national purpose,” Moratinos said, pointing to Angola as a model of hope for conflict resolution in Africa.
The conference is scheduled to continue through Friday, serving as a platform for mobilization to reinforce the role of multilateralism in preventing violence and fostering global reconciliation.
Image: Pexels – Cardoso Lopes Lopes
