New York – Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has called for renewed international cooperation to address conflicts, terrorism and growing mistrust in global institutions, saying peace in the Sahel must become a shared responsibility.
Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, Faye said the international system was facing a crisis of trust involving states, international institutions and the enforcement of international law.
He said the UN’s original promise of protecting future generations from war and advancing economic and social progress must be restored.
“The major issue of our time is restoring trust, managing transformation in order to build a United Nations that delivers for all,” Faye said.
He pointed to conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan, Haiti and Yemen, as well as the expansion of terrorism in the Sahel, saying the growing number of conflicts was placing further pressure on international peace and security.
Faye also addressed the conflict in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, calling for an end to violations of international law and a political settlement based on two states, with Palestine having East Jerusalem as its capital and Israel and Palestine living alongside each other within safe and internationally recognised borders.
Sahel security
Faye, who is serving as interim president of the Economic Community of West African States, said Senegal would work with the African Union and the United Nations to promote peace and security in West Africa.
He described terrorism as a regional challenge that requires countries to work together because “the scourge of terrorism is cross border by its very nature”.
“The Sahel must not be abandoned to its desolate fate,” he said, calling for urgent efforts to stabilise the region.
Senegal’s position comes as the Sahel continues to face insecurity, political instability and the activities of armed groups. The UN has previously described the deterioration of security in the region as a major concern and has noted cooperation between ECOWAS and the African Union on the issue.
Faye also referred to wider global challenges, including health emergencies, climate change, rising inequality and environmental pressures.
He said Senegal’s approach to these challenges would include its planned cooperation with the United Arab Emirates on the third United Nations Water Conference.
Call for financial reforms
The Senegalese president linked lasting peace to economic development, arguing that developing countries require changes to the international financial system.
He called for reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable debt arrangements, fair taxation, greater access to concessional financing and implementation of commitments under the Pact for the Future.
Faye also spoke about technology and artificial intelligence, saying Senegal supports the development of AI guided by ethical principles, responsibility and inclusion.
He cited the country’s first satellite, described in the transcript as Illust, as part of Senegal’s ambition to use space technology, AI and digital tools to support human development.
Senegal backs UN reform
Faye said financial pressures facing the United Nations were affecting its ability to operate effectively and contributing to questions about the organisation’s performance, including in peace operations and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
He rejected the idea that multilateralism had become outdated.
“Some might view multilateralism as a relic,” he said, arguing instead that the scale of current global crises requires a UN that is “stronger, more representative and more effective”.
“We will not settle crises by allowing the multilateral system to become ever more piecemeal,” Faye said.
He backed the UN80 initiative as an opportunity to pursue structural reforms while making the organisation less bureaucratic, reducing red tape and improving the efficiency of its spending.
Senegal has contributed its own resources towards the construction of a UN House about 30 kilometres from Dakar. Faye said the facility would accommodate UN system entities in the region and was intended to improve coordination and effectiveness.
He also called on member states to honour their financial commitments to the organisation.
Security Council bid
Faye said the composition of the UN Security Council no longer reflects contemporary global realities and called for reforms that would give Africa a stronger voice.
He cautioned that expanding the Council should not result in greater inertia and said reform was necessary for what he described as justice, credibility and balance within the international system.
Senegal will present its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the 2032 to 2033 term.
The issue of African representation on the Security Council has remained a major subject during the 81st General Assembly. The President of the General Assembly has also called for a more representative Security Council and specifically pointed to Africa’s continued underrepresentation.
Faye additionally voiced support for the candidacy of former Senegalese president Macky Sall for the position of UN Secretary General, calling on member states to support his bid.
Dakar prepares for Youth Olympics
Faye used his address to invite world leaders to Senegal for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.
The Games will run from October 31 to November 13 and will bring together young athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees, according to his address.
Senegal will become the first African country to host an Olympic event, with the Dakar Games bringing young people from across the world to the continent.
Faye presented the event as more than a sporting competition, describing it as an opportunity to promote cooperation among young people.
“It will host a promise. We will host a generation that wish to come together rather than stand apart, one that wishes to build together rather than pit themselves against each other,” he said.
He invited UN member states to attend the opening ceremony in Dakar on October 31.
The Dakar 2026 Games have previously been presented at the UN as an opportunity to use sport to promote peace, friendship, solidarity and development.
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