Celebrity Media Editor's Note：Somalia has officially launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2025-2026. The campaign, under the theme "Peace for a Better Future and Planet," underscores Somalia’s commitment to global peace and security and highlights its unique insights and contributions towards sustainable development and international cooperation.
The announcement was made during a special event at the United Nations Headquarters, where Somalia presented its vision for contributing to international peacekeeping efforts and promoting sustainable development. Somalia’s candidacy is driven by its experiences and successes in overcoming challenges through resilience and strategic dialogue, positioning it as a strong advocate for conflict resolution and an ardent supporter of multilateralism.
Somalia calls on international partners and member states to support its bid, emphasizing the shared global commitment to a more just and sustainable world. The candidacy symbolizes hope and the power of cooperative international relations in tackling global challenges.
Minister Omar expressed his pride and optimism for Somalia's candidacy for the non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2025-2026. He emphasized Somalia’s readiness to contribute its unique perspectives and solutions to the global stage, highlighting the crucial role of education, investment, and collaboration in advancing peace and sustainable development. "We are not merely asking for a seat at the table," he noted, "we are offering a voice of experience, a perspective forged in the crucible of adversity, and a strong commitment to global peace and security."
Ali Muhammad Omar the State Minister for foreign affairs of the federal republic of Somalia
Mr.Ali Muhammad Omar Full speech as follows
Thank you dear ambassadors, distinguish guests, and friends. It's an honor to welcome you to our reception today as we have in part on a journey toward a significant milestone in som's diplomatic engagement ment with International Community.
I'm filled with their pride and optimism for what lies ahead as the sole endorsed African candidate for the non permanent United Nations security Council seed for the term 2025-2026. My country recognizes the vital role that the security Council plays in maintaining International Peace and security.
We are committed to upholding the principalities of the United Nations in promoting Global Peace and security, advocating for the rights of the most vulnerable populations. In today's interconnected world, no nation is immune to the threat we face as a nation that has overcome its share of challenges. Somalia and understand is the importance of effective multilateralism and cooperation in addressing the complex issues confronting our world today. We are ready to bring our unique perspective experiences and solutions to the global State, contributing a meaningful to work of the United Nation Security Council.
It's crucial that we approach this challenges with a sense of unity, purpose, and resolve as we see this esteemed position. We are not merely asking a seat at the table, we are offering a voice of experience, a perspective fored in a crucible of adversity, and a strong commitment to a Global Peace and security. We ENT understand the complexities of a conflict resolution, the importance of a humanitarian assistant, and the necessity of a sustainable development. We bring to the table not only our experience but also the Innovations and solutions that have emerged our journey toward peace.
Our candidacy is a symbol of Hope, resilience, and a testament to the power of international cooperation if interested with the seed of the security Council. Somalia will be a voice for all member states, a champion for a conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, and a steadfast advocate for justice and equality. We will work tily to advance the cause of peace and Security in our region and and Beyond Guided by the principal of inclusive transparency and respect of international law.
I call all our partners and friends in International Community to support Somali candidacy for the security Council recognizing our shared commitment to a sa more just world for all together. We can make a difference uphold the UN Charter and build be for a better future and a better Planet
Respected guests, all protocols observed. Five days ago, the world celebrated Africa Day, a celebration of the hope and potential of the African people. This month's dialogue series reminds us that unlocking this full potential depends on a key factor: education. Education is the driving force behind Africa's prosperity and development. It provides opportunities for young Africans, connecting them with their cultural heritage and past while preparing them for the future. Education is the cornerstone of the science, technology, and innovation-based economy that Africa needs in the coming decades.
I commend the African Union for making education its theme for 2024 and emphasize the importance of overcoming the challenges facing educational systems across the continent. A lack of investment and infrastructure, persistently unequal access to education for girls, conflicts, and climate-related disasters prevent tens of millions of African children and youth from receiving education. The shortage of qualified teachers exacerbates a crisis in foundational curricula and teaching methods that fail to prepare students for today's workforce, especially in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
At the 2022 Transforming Education Summit, nations committed to advancing the vision of creating true learning societies rooted in quality education and Sustainable Development Goal 4. This includes lifelong learning, eliminating digital and gender gaps, and supporting teachers at every step. The specific policy recommendations emerging from this dialogue represent an opportunity to ensure progress in the African context.
I particularly want to outline two areas: Firstly, without significantly increased financing and investment in education systems, progress is unattainable. African countries have made substantial progress; nearly one-third have reached the minimum threshold of 15% of public expenditures or 4% of GDP allocated to education. However, investments are hindered by economic challenges including the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, soaring costs of living, and an out-of-control debt crisis. Many African countries spend more on debt service than on healthcare, infrastructure, and education combined.
Meanwhile, borrowing is hampered by an outdated, dysfunctional, and unfair international financial system, while an unbalanced and inefficient global tax system deprives African countries of higher domestic revenues. Last September, world leaders at the SDG Summit supported a minimum annual SDG stimulus of $500 billion. The stimulus also calls for a debt lifeline to provide developing countries with some breathing room, rather than punishing repayment schedules, and for expanding emergency financing for crisis-hit countries, including reallocating special drawing rights. We also need to see multilateral development banks adjust their business models to better leverage private finance at a reasonable cost for developing countries.
This year, at the Summit of the Future, I expect to see concrete commitments from world leaders to fundamentally repair the global financial system. This must include ensuring greater African representation across all systems and institutions, including the global financial system, coupled with robust domestic resource mobilization systems. These are opportunities for African countries to dramatically increase investment in education in the coming years. I also urge donor countries and multilateral development banks to support the International Finance Facility for Education launched at the Transforming Education Summit. It's time to realize the potential of this facility and mobilize $10 billion to help 700 million children in lower and middle-income countries access quality education.
Secondly, African education systems must be rooted in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Merely getting more children into school is not enough. African students, like students around the world, need the skills and knowledge to compete in the modern global economy. STEM subjects are critical, from agriculture and manufacturing to service delivery to every aspect of business, large and small, to the renewable green energy revolution taking root across Africa. Digital skills are a good example. The International Financial Corporation estimates that by 2030, over 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills. As we transform what students learn, we also need to transform how they learn.
Digital technology offers an unlimited platform to deliver education to learners, no matter where they live. It is also an opportunity to scale up education for the tens of millions of school-aged children in Africa whose education is disrupted by crises like conflicts and natural disasters. Overcoming this massive barrier means unlocking these benefits—the fact that only 36% of Africans have access to broadband connectivity. I urge countries to work with technology companies and internet service providers and the UN's GIGA initiative to provide universal high-speed connectivity and devices for every learner. It's time to close the digital divide and to mobilize the financial resources of the international community to make it possible.
Esteemed guests, these issues and many more will be at the forefront of key UN meetings in Paris, New York, and Brazil this year, aimed at accelerating progress towards SDG4 by 2030. They will also be central to the Summit of the Future this September. I have invited all world leaders to attend, and it is particularly crucial that African leaders bring their ideas and solutions, including about education. The Africa we want must be supported by the education systems Africa needs, and I will continue to stand with Africa in this essential work.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe A view of the flag-raising ceremony, ahead of the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4).
Good morning from the blue waters and lush green hills of the Caribbean. We’re reporting live from the high level opening of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) on the beautiful twin island nation of Antigua and Barbuda.
10:40 AM
President of the General Assembly Dennis Francis – who hails from the nearby Caribbean State Trinidad and Tobago - said the long-awaited SIDS4 conference “offers a powerful once in a decade platform” for action, under the ABAS action programme.
"If we do not undertake substantive reform of the international financial framework and the multilateral architecture – and their governance – developing countries including SIDS, cannot unleash their full potential to mobilize much-needed resources to achieve the 2030 Agenda and it’s SDGs”, he told the conference.
10:30 AM
Small island States ‘a test case for climate justice and financial justice’
The world must not allow the loss of a single country or culture due to global warming or a continuation of a “two-speed financial world” where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, said UN chief António Guterres in his opening address.
Mr. Guterres said along with their exceptional beauty – be it the blue waters of the Caribbean, South Pacific or the Indian Ocean - SIDS are also exceptionally vulnerable.
“Your unique geography puts you at the mercy of climate chaos, rising sea levels and land degradation. Climate change is an existential crisis for the entire human family, but SIDS are on the frontlines.”
Reliant on imports and complex supply chains, the global shocks of record extreme weather, the tourism destroying COVID pandemic and regional wars, many SIDS have been left reeling in rough waters.
Life rafts needed
“The new Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS outlines steps to achieve resilient prosperity in partnership with the international community”, said the UN chief.
“The United Nations stands with you” in battling the climate crisis; building resilient economies; safe and healthy societies, biodiversity conservation; “and to protect and sustainably use the ocean and its resources.”
He called on SIDS to make bold and sustainable investments themselves – but they can’t succeed alone.
“The international community has a duty to support you – led by the countries that have greatest responsibility and capacity to deal with the challenges you face”, he declared.
Justice at the core
“SIDS are a test case for climate justice and financial justice”, he said, and with the 1.5 degree limit in temperature rise already fast approaching, “we cannot accept the disappearance of any country or culture under the rising waves.”
“The idea that an entire island state could become collateral damage for profiteering by the fossil fuel industry, or competition between major economies, is simply obscene."
SIDS have led from the front for decades already, serving as the world’s conscience on the climate crisis – making the difference in Paris in 2015.
“Today, we need your fierce voices more than ever”, said the Secretary-General.
‘Sky high costs’
SIDS also need financial justice, he explained, urging leaders in Antigua to insist developed countries come through on pledges to double adaptation financing to allow proper defences to be built to save island nations from destruction.
“You also have every right to call for new and significant contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund. Some of your countries have suffered damage worth more than half their GDP overnight, in cyclones and storms”, Mr. Guterres said.
“But we are in a two-speed financial world. To the rich – go cheap loans and easy money. But the global majority – the countries that need financing for development – are paying sky high costs to borrow money.”
The millstone of debt is drowning SIDS economies as the ocean erode the shore: “This is creating a vicious cycle of stress and vulnerability and constraining your ability to invest in the SDGs.”
He highlighted the need for an SDG Stimulus and deep reforms to the “outdated, dysfunctional and unjust global financial architecture”, putting the needs of developing countries first.
‘Almighty noise’
He said the temptation to turn inwards, and lower expectations must be avoided.
“That is not the SIDS way. Collaboration and mutual support will help SIDS to weather both geopolitical and physical storms.”
And when you speak together, SIDS can make an almighty noise. I urge you to do so at this critical time for our planet and our future.”
10:12 AM
Imperative to 'act now' and limit global warming
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne has just been elected to preside over SIDS4.
He said SIDS vulnerabilities placed them at a major disadvantage and large scale polluters should compensate countries for their exploitation.
The relentless climate crisis has severely undermined efforts to meet the SDGs, making the search for solutions all the more critical he said.
This year has been the hottest in history practically everywhere, underscoring the urgency of our predicament, he added.
"To ignore this is to gamble with our collective future. Continuing with business as usual is not just negligence, it is an active choice that invites disaster. Such indifference will reverberate disastrously affecting every nation, every community and every individual across the planet."
Putting profits over sustainability must end he said, calling for a global carbon tax to be levied on hugely profitable oil companies. "Failing to act will dictate the fate of SIDS...It is imperative that we act now, not tomorrow but today, with conviction and with unyielding resolve."
10:05 AM
'Your future is our future': King Charles
The SIDS4 conference is ALMOST formally underway. and there's a special message from King Charles, Head of State of Antigua and Barbuda.
In a video, the monarch said that over decades, he has seen for himself the critical challenges faced by SIDS and how they can multiply to a horrifying degree.
He said he had also been in awe of the leadership shown by leaders of SIDS, which has been crucial to fight climate change. He said their example had paved the way at crucial junctures.
"However, I hardly need to tell you of all people that there is much further to go", to build new partnerships, he said. King Charles congratulated Antigua and Barbuda and all States gathered for SIDS4.
"The issues before you could hardly be more important. Your future is our future...ultimately all of us need bold and determined action."
09:45 AM
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne was the last speaker in the cultural segment, in a video clip from the UN General Assembly, appealing for more support for SIDS in the light of corrosive climate change.
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09:35 AM
Now it's a performance of pure joy, showcasing some of the great attractions of this jewel of the Caribbean. "Show me how much you're loving Antigua and Barbuda so far!", is the cry from the stage. It's a loud and celebratory welcome to islanders from across the world.
09:25 AM
It's been quite a show: dancing, singing, dramatic video of beauty and human suffering due to climate change - and the spectre of natural disaster in the form of hurricanes that Antigua and Barbuda knows about only too well, having suffered through Irma and Maria in 2017.
UN News/Matthew Wells
Dawn breaks over Jolly Beach, Antigua and Barbuda, as nations convene for the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4).
09:14 AM
We were just treated to a performance from the Antigua and Barbuda Symphony Orchestra. Now it's a theatrical performance focused on the dangers of climate change for the vulnerable nations gathered in the hall. We have trees, tropical sounds and a warning that the ecosystem is way off balance..."We must give the youth of these nations a chance", Mother Nature is saying:
"What affects small island States, affects us all. Respect all of nature or everything you know will soon disappear!"
UN News/Matthew Wells Buses ready to ferry participants to the conference venue.
08:45 AM - It all gets going in a few minutes’ time with a cultural opening event. Luckily the sun is shining this morning, in comparison with yesterday’s debilitating rain storms that reminded everyone here of the unpredictability of increasingly extreme weather that will be one of the chief talking points this week.
You can find full coverage of the entire week and special features leading up to the conference, on our landing page here.
'Resilient prosperity'
More than 20 world leaders, together with representatives from the private sector, civil society, academia and youth – close to 4,000 participants in all - have gathered at the verdant conference venue in the American University of Antigua close to the capital St John’s, to tackle critical issues impacting the future of SIDS.
Under the theme Charting the course toward resilient prosperity, the four-day Conference (27-30 May) will showcase new innovations and develop practical solutions to address critical SIDS-specific challenges driven by the climate emergency, spiralling debt and health crises.
For more on the conference, check out our curtain raiser story here. UN News was at one of the high level events over the weekend organized by more than 80 young changemakers from across the globe and you can check out their demand for action here.
Soundcloud
The Conference will adopt The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) – a Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity, which sets out the sustainable development aspirations of small islands over the next decade and the support required from the international community to achieve them.
The SIDS across the Pacific, Caribbean and Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea are home to approximately 65 million people. They manage 19.1 per cent of the world's Exclusive Economic Zones and the resources they hold.
Accounting for 14 per cent of the world’s coastlines, SIDS boast a high degree of biodiversity. SIDS have pioneered renewable energy solutions, championed sustainable tourism while spearheading conservation efforts and making major strides in developing ocean-based economies.
Celebrity media compiled reports based on videos and texts provided by the United Nations
Antigua, 27 May – At the opening of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres declared SIDS as pivotal in the global fight for climate and financial justice. Addressing an assembly of over 20 world leaders, 4,000 participants, and delegates from private sectors, civil society, and academia, Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the acute challenges SIDS face due to climate change.
"SIDS are a test case for climate justice and financial justice," said Guterres in his opening remarks. He warned of the dire consequences of surpassing the 1.5-degree Celsius limit set to avoid catastrophic global heating, highlighting the existential threat this poses to SIDS. “We cannot accept the disappearance of any country or culture under the rising waves,” he added.
Guterres praised the resilience and unity of SIDS, urging them to continue their collaborative efforts. "At times of crisis, it may be tempting to turn inward, to lower expectations, and to dim hopes. But that is not the SIDS way," he remarked. "When you speak together, SIDS can make an almighty noise. And I urge you to do so at this critical time for our planet and our future."
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and President of the SIDS4 Conference, Gaston Browne, and Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, Prime Minister of Samoa and Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States, also addressed the urgency of the situation in their speeches. Browne criticized the negligence of continuing business as usual, while Mataʻafa described the increasing pressures of rising seas and burgeoning debts on SIDS.
The conference, taking place at the American University of Antigua through Thursday, aims to chart a course toward resilient prosperity for SIDS. Key discussions will revolve around the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), which outlines the sustainable development goals for the next decade and the support needed to achieve them.
In a high-level meeting on 28 May with international financial institutions and major donors, Secretary-General Guterres underscored the financing challenges faced by SIDS, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. He highlighted the disparity between the speed of escalating challenges and the slower pace of actionable solutions.
European Commission Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, also spoke at the meeting, advocating for substantial financial reforms and increased investment in SIDS.
This critical international gathering underscores the urgency of comprehensive support for SIDS, aiming to address their unique vulnerabilities and ensure their sustainable future.
Celebrity Media Editor's Note: For three consecutive years, Celebrity Media reporters were invited by Djibril Diallo, PhD London | President & CEO African Renaissance and Diaspora Network to attend the Africa Day celebration event held at the United Nations Headquarters. The annual United Nations Africa Day celebration took place yesterday in the Trusteeship Council Hall at the United Nations Headquarters.
The Vice-Chairman of the Celebrity Media Foundation, the Deputy Director of the IT Department, the Dean of the Celebrity Media AI Academy, and Celebrity Media's videographers and photographers participated in the celebration.
The Permanent Representative of Senegal to the United Nations and the Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the United Nations, whom this station had previously interviewed, attended and gave speeches respectively.
The Vice-Chairman of the Celebrity Media Foundation, the Deputy Director of the IT Department, the Dean of the Celebrity Media AI Academy,Enze Bai
Ali Muhammad Omar the State Minister for foreign affairs of the federal republic of Somalia 
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe A view of the flag-raising ceremony, ahead of the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4).
UN News/Matthew Wells Buses ready to ferry participants to the conference venue.
The Vice-Chairman of the Celebrity Media Foundation, the Deputy Director of the IT Department, the Dean of the Celebrity Media AI Academy,Enze Bai
Celebrity media photojournalist Ouyang Zongluan
