The United Nations has transformed our world by advancing peace, self-determination and human progress. Yet it has also fallen short of its promise as conflicts persist, international law is applied inconsistently and inequality remains embedded in the institutions meant to uphold sovereign equality. Addressing the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, I called for reform of the UN Security Council to give Africa equitable and permanent representation, with all the prerogatives and privileges of permanent membership. Africa must have a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape global peace and security. The international financial architecture must also be reformed. Development cannot remain most expensive for the countries that need investment most, while debt service crowds out classrooms, healthcare and opportunity. Developing countries need greater access to affordable, long-term capital, guarantees and risk-sharing instruments to finance their development. Reform must be matched by responsibility. Governments must manage debt prudently, strengthen institutions, deepen domestic capital markets, honour contracts and confront corruption without equivocation. Africa does not seek charity or special treatment. We seek a fair opportunity and a meaningful voice in shaping our common future. We must build a global system where every nation has a voice, every people has a stake and every child has a future.