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STORY: LESOTHO / GUTERRES PARLIAMENT ADDRESS
TRT: 2:11
SOURCE: UN LESOTHO
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS
DATELINE: 12 DECEMBER 2024, LESOTHO
1. Wide shot, António Guterres, Secretary-General speaking at the Parliament
2. SOUNDBITE (English) António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations:
“We all know Africa’s enormous potential. But let’s be clear: deep injustices are denying Africa’s rightful place on the world stage. These injustices share a common root: a global system designed without African voices, maintained without African participation, and perpetuated despite African protests. When a continent that is home to nearly a fifth of humanity, remains systematically excluded from global decision-making, we must call this what it is: A relic of colonialism that has no place in today's world.”
3. Wide shot, António Guterres, Secretary-General speaking at the Parliament
4. SOUNDBITE (English) António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations:
“Start with the UN Security Council. Nearly 80 years after its creation, Africa still awaits even a single permanent seat. This hurts Africa, but it also hurts the Council – its effectiveness, its legitimacy, and its credibility. From Sudan to the Sahel, conflicts rage and communities suffer. These crises demand not just global attention, but African leadership. Yet Africa has no permanent voice when the world decides on matters of war and peace… in Africa. That is unacceptable – and it must change.”
5. Wide shot, António Guterres, Secretary-General speaking at the Parliament
6. SOUNDBITE (English) António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations:
“Landlocked and Least Developed countries like yours are especially vulnerable. They require special support and easier access to finance and technology.”
7. Wide shot, António Guterres, Secretary-General speaking at the Parliament
8. SOUNDBITE (English) António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations:
“Together, Africa is crafting a vision of transformation, built on the foundations of justice and solidarity. This is your moment to show the world that from the challenges of today, a new era of hope and equality can be born.”
9. Wide shot, António Guterres, Secretary-General speaking at the Parliament
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today (12 Dec) addressed the Parliament of Lesotho, stressing the fact that Africa has enormous potential, however, deep injustices are denying Africa’s rightful place on the world stage - mainly, not having a permanent seat in the Security Council.
Guterres underscored that nearly 80 years after the creation of the Security Council, Africa still awaits even a single permanent seat. “This hurts Africa, but it also hurts the Council – its effectiveness, its legitimacy, and its credibility.”
“From Sudan to the Sahel, conflicts rage and communities suffer. These crises demand not just global attention, but African leadership. Yet Africa has no permanent voice when the world decides on matters of war and peace… in Africa. That is unacceptable – and it must change,” the UN Chief reiterated.
Guterres also reiterated that Africa needs climate justice, he said, “Landlocked and Least Developed countries like yours are especially vulnerable. They require special support and easier access to finance and technology.”
The UN chief also underscored that the UN will remain Lesotho’s partner in the journey toward sustainable and inclusive development.
The Secretary-General concluded, “Africa is crafting a vision of transformation, built on the foundations of justice and solidarity. This is your moment to show the world that from the challenges of today, a new era of hope and equality can be born.”
On Friday (13 Dec), Guterres will visit the Katse Dam, where he will see for himself the Highlands Water Project – which is a perfect example of the development projects undertaken by the country.
This is his first time visiting the country, and it coincides with the Kingdom’s celebration of the bicentenary of the Basotho nation.
Earlier today (12 Dec), the Secretary-General discussed with His Majesty King Letsie III several topics, including the progress Lesotho has made in recent years, and the challenges it faces. Guterres also reaffirmed the continued support of the United Nations to the Kingdom of Lesotho.
The Secretary-General also held discussions with the Prime Minister, Ntsokoane Matekane and some members of his cabinet. Guterres said was there to show solidarity with Africa but also with Lesotho in particular – a land-locked country with only one neighbour.
Lesotho, he said, demonstrates how unfair the global financial system is, and that it should change.
