Kabu Verde’s prime minister urges a more effective, transparent United Nations and Security Council reform

Prime Minister Francis Evelyn Vat Carval of Kabu Verde told the United Nations General Assembly that his country backs a United Nations that is “more effective, more transparent and more representative.” He said reform — including changes to the Security Council — is necessary to match the organization to today’s geopolitical realities.

Carval argued that Africa, which he said accounts for nearly one quarter of UN member states and roughly one-fifth of the world’s population, still lacks commensurate representation on the Security Council. “Therefore, we support a more equitable African representation in accordance with the Azawini consensus and the third declaration,” he said, framing that demand as part of a broader push for fairness and inclusion in international institutions.

The prime minister linked reform to broader democratic principles, saying the next secretary-general’s selection should reflect “transparency, inclusion, merit, and equal opportunities.” He described the UN AD initiative as an opportunity to modernize the organization and strengthen its capacity to respond to global crises and inequalities.

Carval placed these reform arguments in the larger context of preserving the UN Charter, protecting sovereignty and civilian populations, and upholding international and humanitarian law as universal obligations.