Rwanda urges unity, backs U.N. stimulus and calls for institutional reforms at General Assembly

Ernest Ra Musio, head of the delegation of Rwanda, used his statement to the United Nations General Assembly to urge global unity and concrete multilateral action on economic recovery, climate finance and institutional reform. He called the U.N. secretary-general's proposal a "timely and necessary intervention" aimed at helping vulnerable populations and stabilizing the global economy.

Musio said unity has been "a central theme" of the high-level week and argued that solidarity is essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals as the decade advances. He said Rwanda "strongly endorses the U.N. secretary-general's stimulus package," adding that the proposal aims to provide targeted financial aid, debt relief and sustainable development support for countries most affected by economic shocks.

"For too long, African countries and other marginalized regions have borne the brunt of global economic shocks without sufficient support from the international community," Musio said, urging that stimulus measures ensure resources reach those who need them most and prioritise green energy and digital transformation.

Musio invoked Rwanda's post-1994 experience, saying that Rwandans "chose unity over division" after the genocide against the Tutsi and that the world now faces a comparable choice. He referenced the Kibuka Frame Of Hope monument at the U.N. gardens as a reminder of that history.

Turning to climate and environmental diplomacy, Musio urged advanced economies to reduce emissions faster and to increase investment in African decarbonization ahead of COP29 in Baku. He also urged nations to pursue an ambitious global treaty on plastics that addresses the full life cycle of plastics and highlighted upcoming negotiations in Busan as a chance to act.

Musio noted that 2024 marks two decades since Rwanda's first deployment under the U.N. peacekeeping banner and said Rwanda remains among the top contributors to U.N. missions in Africa. He warned of rising regional security threats — including radicalized insurgency and terrorism in parts of the continent — and said responses must address root causes rather than "cosmetic" fixes.

On institutional reform, Musio said: "Reform of the multilateral financial institutions is complementary to the reform of the United Nations Security Council," arguing both are necessary to ensure fair representation and more effective global governance for Africa and other underrepresented regions.

He closed by urging delegates to "seize this moment" to secure a future grounded in justice, equity and solidarity and said Rwanda stands ready to work with all nations.

The Assembly proceeded after the statement with a formal thanks to the head of the Rwandan delegation.