At a Glance
- UNGA 80 underscored rising calls for UN Security Council reform and African representation.
- Global leaders urged renewed peace efforts amid shifting alliances and Gaza ceasefire talks.
- The Clinton Global Initiative marked 20 years of fostering innovation and global collaboration.
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity”.
For over two decades, it has been a profound privilege to serve within United Nations institutions. As I reflect on the recently concluded UNGA 2025 marking the organisation’s 80th milestone.
I recognise its historic role in maintaining a relative global peace and preventing another world war, despite persistent regional and interstate conflicts.
However, the last twenty years have revealed significant challenges. The founding P5 nations (the UK, USA, France, China, and Russia) have, at times, profoundly abused their power, with the United States being a primary example. The current UN structure is obsolete and must be reformed to reflect the reality of our multi-polar world. As I stated in my interview with UN TV, a critical question remains: Why is there no African nation with a permanent seat and veto power on the Security Council?
This year’s assembly was particularly special. For the first time, the Western alliance fractured as key nations moved to recognise Palestinian statehood. The debates and high-level meetings were overwhelmingly focused on the war in Gaza, leading to the diplomatic isolation of the United States and Israel. This shift in global sentiment is, in part, why the U.S. was compelled to pursue a ceasefire agreement, seeking to stem the backlash against Israel’s unprecedented actions.
I am relieved that the bombs have stopped falling on Gaza. I hope this ceasefire holds and that global leaders will find the courage to forge a lasting peace whether that means an independent Palestinian state living side-by-side with a secure Israel, or a single state with equal rights and dignity for all. The will of the people must be paramount.
As always, the UNGA coincided with the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), which celebrated its 20th anniversary. As an official member, I attended this renowned event to connect, network, and explore opportunities for collaboration. It was, as ever, an unparalleled gathering of innovators and change-makers, and this year was particularly meaningful.
The final two weeks of September are always a whirlwind. Beyond UNGA and CGI, I participated in over 15 seminars and conferences hosted by organisations like the Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Gates Foundation, Global Citizen, and various SDG and Climate conferences.
We now look forward to welcoming the world back to the UN Headquarters in New York next year. I will continue to contribute my quota, both in my official UN capacity and, when the occasion arises, through an independent lens sharing perspectives not bound by official approval. This is the essence of my diplomatic work and this report.
J. Eniola AFNIIA
Manhattan, New York
18/10/2025
