New York City, September 23, 2025 – Zambia’s former Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU), His Excellency Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba, has issued a call for the expedited reform of the United Nations system. Amb. Mwamba emphasized that such reforms are critical for the global body to effectively address contemporary geopolitical and humanitarian challenges.
The Ambassador made these remarks on the sidelines of the official opening of the United Nations General Assembly Heads of State and Government Summit. He stated that the commemoration of the UN’s 80th anniversary presents a pivotal opportunity to urgently modernize the institution’s structure and mechanisms.
A central point of his address was the critique of the current composition of the UN Security Council (UNSC). Amb. Mwamba highlighted the structural inequity inherent in the veto power wielded exclusively by the five permanent members (P5)—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—a framework that excludes representation from Africa and the broader Global South.
He expressed concern that this outdated architecture has diminished the UN’s relevance, citing its sidelined role in resolving major conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and protracted humanitarian crises in African regions including the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes.
Amb. Mwamba referenced his direct experience in these efforts, noting his tenure as Permanent Representative when Zambia served as Vice-Chairperson on the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C-10). This group is tasked with advancing the Common African Position on UN Reform.
Furthermore, he urged member states to support the “UN80” reform initiative, a major set of proposals launched by Secretary-General António Guterres in March 2025 aimed at streamlining the organization’s structure and internal processes. Amb. Mwamba also called for strategic collaboration between the C-10 and other reform-focused coalitions, such as the “Uniting for Consensus” group and the “Article 109 Coalition,” which comprises civil society organizations and academic experts.
Concluding his remarks, Amb. Mwamba advocated for member states to utilize the 80th anniversary to reinforce policies that protect and enhance the family unit, which he described as the fundamental group unit of society entitled to protection by the State.
Ambassador Mwamba is attending the 2025 UN General Assembly High-Level Week, which runs from September 22-29, 2025, and marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
Hmm! Emmanuel Mwamba attending in what capacity? Someone please educate me! The article wants to make believe as if he was speaking from a podium addressing world dignitaries! Thanks to media technology!
Thanks for asking. Yes, the UN has high-stake special events during the General Assembly. They are called Special Side Events! Delegates speak from the Podium too, and UN. ambassadors take their seats–sometimes they are chaired the General Secretary.
That’s what I was wondering. He probably wrote this himself but who paid for the visit?
Ba Mwamba attending the UN as what? This man loves to force himself on things. Very Childish. I am sure he is busy talking negatively about our Country. He lacks patriotism.
I think Ambassador Mwamba is representing Zambia. Kabili ba President and team balibakanina ama visa. He is definitely way better than Chibamba Kanyama. If HH was objective, he wouldn’t have appointed Chibamba Kanyama and many more representatives in foreign missions. Ba HH ukubuta!
But what’s wrong with Chibamba Kanyama?
@ HH Nafilwa
Look at this chap who cannot even manage to run kantemba stop insulting our national leaders remember we are 2.8 million people who brought the same people you do not like and mind you the strong base of 2.8 million is still intact up to 2041. Whether you like it or not 2026 and 2031 you will still lose or sink or frank /fall remember Dundumwezi innovative machine it is still coming in the horizon in 2026, 2031, 2036 and 2041. Us the 2.8 million voters are still happy with the performance of our leaders if you are not happy that is your problem not us may just engage your doctor to put aside mofidine tablets for your BP because the way I see you in 2026 your BP will be very high. But anyway, they brought quality ambulances to assist you people without a vision who thinks that milk and honey will start falling from heaven without working for it.
So attending the summit should make fail to even drink water? Did we send him there or he went on his own? Forcing yourself in the summit does not mean that you are a hero. Mwamba you went there alone so keep it to yourself; the summit did not in any way change you into a sincere adult acting his age. Tell this to your children and grandchildren spare us we have a lot important things to attend to. Ukutumpa!
ukutumpa
I don’t know why Emmanuel Mwamba is clinging on to the title Ambassador. The reason is obvious, to sound important. Maybe I am missing something. There are others who were appointed as Ambassadors in the past but they are not addressing themselves as former Ambassadors or High Commissioners. Imagine Christopher Katongo who was a captain when Zambia won the Africa cup of Nations in 2012, telling people wherever he goes that he is as Former Zambia National Team Captain.