UN Chief António Guterres Calls for Greater African Representation as Nairobi Expands UN Presence

By Gedion Nzyoki -

• UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent reforms to global governance systems, urging stronger African representation in international institutions and deeper Africa–UN partnerships
• He described the expansion of the United Nations presence in Nairobi as a key milestone that will enhance economic opportunities, attract international conferences, and strengthen Africa’s role in global decision-making
• Guterres also expressed concern over ongoing conflicts in Africa and global tensions impacting the continent, warning of worsening humanitarian and economic pressures while calling for sustained diplomacy and lasting peace

Nairobi, Kenya | 11 May 2026 —The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has renewed calls for sweeping reforms to global governance institutions, saying Africa deserves greater representation, resources and influence in international decision-making.

The UN Chief, António Guterres, delivers remarks during a groundbreaking ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters in Nairobi. Photo: William Samoei Ruto (Facebook).

Speaking during a press briefing on Monday afternoon at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, held alongside the inauguration of new office blocks and the groundbreaking ceremony for a new conference facility, António Guterres described the expansion as a major milestone that reinforces Africa’s growing role at the centre of international cooperation.

“Nairobi remains one of the United Nations’ key centres for peace and the only UN headquarters on the African continent,” Guterres said, while commending Kenya for its role as “a generous host and strategic partner” in advancing democracy, development, humanitarian action, economic leadership and peace building.

The UN chief said the expansion reflects the organisation’s commitment to moving closer to the people it serves while strengthening Africa’s voice in global affairs.

“The United Nations must be closer to the people it serves, connected to their priorities and supportive of the solutions they are pursuing. That is also why I am here,” he said.

Guterres argued that Africa’s enormous potential continues to be constrained by what he described as an unfair international system.

“Too many African countries face egregious borrowing costs. Too many climate-vulnerable countries are still waiting for the support they were promised,” he stated.

He also criticised the lack of African representation in major global institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council.

“An historic injustice persists in denying Africa permanent seats. We must correct this injustice,” he said.

The Secretary-General further called for reforms to international financial institutions, noting that African countries remain underrepresented despite the continent’s growing economic and political significance.

“We need deeper reforms of the international financial architecture, greater investment on terms that allow countries to build, grow and transform, and global institutions that reflect the world as it is today, not as it was 80 years ago,” he added.

Referring to the Africa Forward Summit 2026, which began on Monday, May 11 and is scheduled to conclude on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the UN Chief said his message at the summit would focus on reforming multilateral institutions and strengthening partnerships between the United Nations and the African Union.

“This will be my message at the Africa Forward Summit, and I will also carry it to Addis Ababa for the annual conference between the African Union and the United Nations. The partnership between our two organisations is central to the future of multilateralism,” he said.

He emphasized that peace and stability remain critical for Africa’s future, warning that ongoing conflicts across the continent continue to cause immense suffering.

The UN chief expressed alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, saying civilians were paying “an unconscionable price” as fighting intensifies.

He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, a sustainable ceasefire and a Sudanese-led civilian democratic transition.

On South Sudan, Guterres urged leaders to restore trust, resume dialogue and fully implement the revitalized peace agreement.

He also stressed the need for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo while warning that insecurity, climate pressures and poverty in the Sahel region are fueling instability.

“There are no military solutions to these conflicts. Lasting peace requires dialogue, institutions people can trust, and regional and international cooperation with African leadership and UN support,” he said.

The Secretary-General also criticized external actors accused of supplying weapons to warring factions, saying such actions undermine peace efforts.

Global Conflicts Affecting Africa

Speaking on global conflicts affecting the African continent, António Guterres warned that wars and tensions outside Africa are having severe economic consequences across the continent.

Referring specifically to tensions involving Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, he noted that rising fuel and fertiliser prices are deepening economic hardship across Africa.

“Four in five African countries are net importers, and every disruption hits hard,” he explained.

He noted that rising fertiliser costs could threaten food production and deepen food insecurity in several African nations.

“That is why de-escalation is urgent. Diplomacy must be given every chance,” he said.

Responding to questions from journalists on the benefits of the proposed KSh 43.9 billion expansion, António Guterres said the UN’s expansion in Nairobi would create significant economic opportunities for Kenyans through increased conferences, tourism, and employment.

He revealed that Nairobi is set to become the third UN location capable of hosting General Assembly and major UN conference meetings after New York City and Geneva.

“This will create numerous opportunities for international conferences to take place in Nairobi,” he said.

Guterres added that the relocation of more UN staff and operations to Nairobi is part of a broader effort to correct historical imbalances dating back to 1945, when most UN institutions were established in the Global North.

“We will have fewer staff in New York and Geneva, and more staff in Nairobi. I think this is the right thing to do,” he stated.

Addressing concerns over the safety of journalists, the Secretary-General raised alarm over the growing number of media professionals being killed and harassed in conflict zones worldwide.

He said the UN has been advocating for stronger accountability mechanisms against perpetrators targeting journalists.

“Not only are more and more journalists being killed, but there is also no accountability for the perpetrators of these crimes,” he said.

Guterres pledged continued collaboration with the UN human rights office to strengthen justice and protection mechanisms for journalists operating in dangerous environments.