Malawi has challenged the United Nations to transform from what it calls a forum of speeches to an engine of delivery for the world’s most vulnerable nations.
The remarks have been made by George Chaponda Minister of Foreign Affairs who delivered Malawi’s national statement during the General Debate of the 81st UN General Assembly.
The high-level General Debate, which opened on 22nd September 2026, is being held under the theme ‘Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all’.
Chaponda said restoring trust in multilateralism will only happen if promises are matched with concrete action.
Chaponda, who represented President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, said the global system must deliver tangible results on development financing, climate justice, debt relief, global health, peace and reform of international institutions.
On debt and development, Malawi called for comprehensive debt relief and restructuring, increased concessional financing and greater international investment in agriculture, industrialisation and infrastructure in line with the country’s long-term development blueprint, Malawi 2063.
On climate change, Chaponda urged the full operationalisation and capitalization of the Loss and Damage Fund and demanded predictable and easily accessible climate finance for vulnerable developing countries bearing the brunt of climate shocks they did not cause.
Malawi also renewed Africa’s long-standing demand for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, including permanent African representation with full veto powers.
He further called for reforms to the international financial architecture to make it fairer and more responsive to developing nations.
On global health, the Foreign Minister pushed for stronger pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity in Africa and a legally binding Pandemic Treaty anchored in equity, solidarity and fair sharing of resources.
Turning to peace and security, Chaponda urged an end to ongoing conflicts around the world, arguing that resources spent on warfare should instead be channelled to fighting poverty, expanding education and driving sustainable development.
On emerging technology, Malawi called for inclusive and ethical global governance of artificial intelligence, warning that developing countries must not be left behind in the technological revolution.
Chaponda reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to economic diplomacy, international justice, human rights and multilateralism, telling potential partners that Malawi is open for business.
He concluded with a rallying call to world leaders to build a United Nations that delivers wealth instead of poverty, resilience instead of vulnerability, and peace instead of conflict.