Zambia urges restored trust, stronger multilateralism at UN General Assembly

Mr. Malamboi, Zambia's Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, addressed the General Assembly on behalf of his country and called for renewed trust in multilateral institutions. He opened by congratulating the Assembly's new president and commending the Secretary‑General, saying the Assembly's theme—"restoring trust, managing transformation"—is "timely and necessary."

In a wide‑ranging statement, Malamboi argued that "trust is the foundation on which international cooperation is built" and that restoring it requires concrete delivery: honoring international agreements and financing development commitments. He warned that without reform, "the global system must not protect the interests of the powerful at the expense of the vulnerable," and urged that developing countries be given a meaningful voice in decisions that affect them.

The minister linked the call for trust to broader governance reforms, including changes in economic and financial decision‑making to expand policy space for low‑ and middle‑income countries. He framed these reforms as essential for translating high‑level commitments into tangible results for ordinary people, from education to health and infrastructure.

Looking ahead, Zambia said it supports efforts to make the United Nations more effective and "fit‑for‑purpose," and advocated strengthened cooperation among the UN, the African Union and regional organizations to prevent and resolve conflicts peacefully.