Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera, MFN Reporter
29 September 2026 | 7:42 AM
NEW YORK/LILONGWE, MALAWI — Malawi has called for urgent reforms to the global multilateral system, urging the United Nations to move beyond speeches and become an institution that delivers concrete results for vulnerable and developing countries.
Speaking during the General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. George Chaponda, said restoring confidence in the international system requires practical action on development, climate change, debt, global governance, health and international peace.
Chaponda said the United Nations should become an effective “engine of delivery” capable of responding to the challenges facing countries most vulnerable to economic shocks, climate change and global crises.
Malawi calls for debt relief and development financing
A major focus of Malawi’s intervention was the growing financial pressure facing developing countries.
Chaponda called for comprehensive debt relief and restructuring, together with increased access to concessional financing for agriculture, industrialisation and infrastructure.
He said international development support should be better aligned with Malawi’s long-term development aspirations under Malawi 2063, the country’s national development blueprint.
The minister argued that developing countries require greater access to affordable financing if they are to accelerate economic transformation and improve living standards.
Malawi pushes for stronger climate finance
Climate change was another major issue raised by Malawi at the UN General Assembly.
Chaponda called for the full operationalisation and capitalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, alongside predictable, accessible and adequate climate financing for vulnerable developing countries.
For countries facing the effects of climate-related disasters while contributing relatively little to global emissions, Malawi says international climate financing remains critical to building resilience and protecting development gains.
Call for permanent African representation at UN Security Council
Malawi also renewed its call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council.
Chaponda advocated for permanent African representation on the Council, including full veto privileges, arguing that the continent should have a stronger voice in decisions affecting international peace and security.
Malawi also called for reforms to the international financial architecture to make global economic institutions more responsive to the needs of developing countries.
Health and pandemic preparedness
On global health, Chaponda called for greater pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity in Africa.
He also backed a legally binding Pandemic Treaty founded on equity, solidarity and resource sharing, saying future global health emergencies require stronger international cooperation and fairer access to essential resources.
Increasing Africa’s capacity to manufacture medicines and other health products, according to Malawi’s position, would strengthen the continent’s preparedness and reduce dependence on external supply chains.
Malawi calls for an end to conflicts
Chaponda further appealed for an end to active conflicts around the world.
He argued that resources being consumed by warfare should instead be directed towards poverty reduction, education and sustainable development.
The minister said lasting international peace remains essential for countries to concentrate resources on improving the welfare of their populations.
Malawi raises concerns over artificial intelligence
Emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, also featured in Malawi’s address.
Chaponda called for inclusive and ethical global governance of artificial intelligence, stressing that developing countries should have the opportunity to benefit from technological advancement rather than being left behind.
The call reflects growing international debate over how AI should be governed while ensuring that technological progress contributes to inclusive development.
Malawi reaffirms economic diplomacy
Chaponda reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to economic diplomacy, international justice, human rights and multilateralism.
He also presented Malawi as a country open to investment and international business cooperation.
Concluding his address, the minister called on world leaders to work towards a United Nations that delivers wealth instead of poverty, resilience instead of vulnerability, and peace instead of conflict.
The 81st United Nations General Assembly high-level week opened on 22 September 2026 under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.”
Malawi’s intervention placed development financing, climate change, African representation in global decision-making, health security, peace and emerging technology among the key priorities it wants the international community to address.
Reported by Suleman Chitera, MFN Reporter
