General Assembly: 17th plenary meeting, 80th session General Assembly Date: 6 October 2025 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/ga/80/17 Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- GA · PGA [0:10]: Good morning. The 17th plenary meeting of the General Assembly is called to order. The Assembly will now consider in a joint debate agenda item 13, entitled Integrated and coordinated implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits in the economic, social and related fields. Agenda item 117, entitled "Follow-up to the outcome of the Millennium Summit"; agenda item 123, entitled "Strengthening of the United Nations system"; and agenda item 124, entitled "United Nations reform: measures and proposals". The documentation related to these agenda items are listed in the Journal of the United Nations. I now give the floor to the first speaker, the distinguished representative of Guinea-Bissau on behalf of the African Group. Guinea-Bissau · AU [1:40]: Madam President, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the African Union. The Africa Group commended the Secretary-General for the comprehensive report on the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa. The report demonstrates that, despite multiple global regional crises, the decade has succeeded in mobilizing political commitment and concrete actions, placing industrialization at the heart of Africa's development agenda. It has generated important results in agribusiness, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, digitalization, and capital economic zones, while strengthening partnership and promoting regional value chains. The African Group also acknowledges the central role played by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in coordinating the implementation of the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa. UNIDO's role, UNIDO's leadership, in partnership with the African Union, regional organizations, development banks, and private sector, has been instrumental in advancing industrial projects across the continent, in ensuring that the decade remains a priority on the international agenda. At the same time, the findings also remind us of the persistent structural challenges that continue to constrain Africa's industrial transformation. As underlined in the Secretary-General's report, A/80/271, manufacturing contributed 10.3% to gross domestic product, GDP, in 2024. Over 60% of output remains concentrated in low-value sectors. The modest share of manufacturing in Africa's GDP, the limited integration between extractive industries and industrial processing, and the lack of adequate finance and technology for small and medium-sized enterprises underscore the scale of the task ahead. Madam President, as the third decade comes to a close, the African Union has already taken the decision to request the proclamation of a fourth industrial development decade for Africa. This step reflects our collective determination to build on the lessons of the third industrial development decade for Africa, to accelerate the structural transformation of Africa's economies, and to align our efforts with the goals of the Agenda 2063 and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Pact for the Future. In this regard, we note with appreciation that, according to the Secretary-General's report, And I quote, "Since it is launched in 2016, the third industrial development decade for Africa has mobilized high-level political commitment, supported over 730 projects, strengthened regional coordination, and delivered tangible impact in priority areas such as agribusiness, clean energy, pharmaceuticals, and digital innovation." End of quote. These are important achievements that must be consolidated under the fourth decade. The African Group, therefore, underlines the importance of building on the achievements of the third decade in order to strengthen efforts in key areas such as integrated infrastructure, renewable energy, and green manufacturing, skills, and empowerment of youth and women digital transformation, and deeper regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area. With vision, political will, and international solidarity, the forthcoming industrial development decade for Africa can unlock the continent's full industrial potential and contribute to delivery to the more equitable, balanced and inclusive multinational system. Thank you so much, Madam President. GA · PGA [6:55]: I thank the distinguished representative of Guinea-Bissau. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) · Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations [7:22]: Thank you very much, madam President. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has the honour to take the floor on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations. Madam President, we warmly welcome the report presented by the Secretary-General on the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa 2016-2025. This report is contained in document A/80/271. Against that backdrop, we commend the African Union, UNIDO and all the other partners who continue supporting Africa's efforts to achieve structural transformation, sustainable development and regional integration. These endeavours seek to enable the entire continent to unleash its full potential. Africa's industrial development is not simply an economic issue. It is a matter of justice, of sovereignty, and of dignity. This in a world in which an undemocratic, exclusionary, and anti-democratic international order prevails. It is a question of ensuring that Africa's vast potential, its natural resources, its young population, and its creativity are harnessed in ways that first and foremost benefit their peoples. We applaud the progress already made across the continent. We can see, inter alia, stronger agribusiness value chains, bold investments in digital technologies, and the rise of youth-led enterprise. We also note with satisfaction the steps taken under the African Continental Free Trade Area. That area is continually creating new opportunities for trade integration and resilient supply chains. However, we must also acknowledge that challenges remain. Africa's share in global Production and manufacturing remains too low. Millions of people continue not to have guaranteed access to energy. Costs of trade remain among the highest in the world, and all too often African nations are denied the financing tools and the policy space they require to chart their own industrial pathways. Madam President, against that backdrop, our group of friends reiterates unequivocally its categorical rejection of unilateral coercive measures. These measures are illegal, they run counter to the United Nations Charter, and they are profoundly harmful. They have many devastating effects. These include stifling industrial growth, blocking access to food and energy, and imposing heavy humanitarian tolls on ordinary people. Africa, more than the majority of regions, continues to feel the weight of these UCMs. Consequently, once again, we call for their complete, immediate, and unconditional lifting. Moreover, we reaffirm the sovereign right of every African state to decide how best to use its natural resources. how to shape its energy policies, and how to pursue its development model, free from interference, pressure, or conditions being imposed upon them, conditions rooted in neo-colonial aims. Industrialization, just like peace, cannot be imposed from the outside; it must be driven from within, in line with national priorities and continental strategies. In this context, We fully support the African Union's initiatives. These include Agenda 2063, the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, the Silencing the Guns initiative, and the Kampala Declaration on Agri-food Systems. We also hail the African Union's decision to devote 2025 to the theme of justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations. Addressing the legacies of slavery, colonialism, and exploitation is not an optional exercise. It is a moral and historical imperative, one that is inextricable from building a fairer and more equitable international order, one in which Africa must play a central role. Madam President, Distinguished Delegates, We also recognize that Africa’s development cannot be separated from global solidarity. South-South and triangular cooperation have, indeed, already proven their value in terms of technology transfer, infrastructure, and the strengthening of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. Initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative have provided important opportunities for industrial corridors as well as for manufacturing and innovation. However, It goes without saying that all of the above are supplementary and cannot in any way substitute North-South cooperation. Commitments on financing, including on official development assistance, as well as on debt relief and technology transfer, must be honored. without delay and must not be watered down. Looking ahead, our group of friends supports the call for a fourth industrial development decade for Africa. This is not simply about ensuring continuity. It is about building on the lessons learned. It is about scaling up on success and about ensuring that industrialization becomes a lived reality for all African nations without exclusions or exceptions. We trust that UNIDO will continue to play its central role in this effort, with stronger mandates, predictable resources, and a closer partnership with the African Union. Finally, we cannot discuss Africa's industrial development without addressing the very structures of global governance themselves. Africa remains underrepresented in the primary organs in which decisions affecting its future are made. Reforming international financial institutions and the Security Council is not doing a favor to Africa. It is a matter of fairness and legitimacy. Madam President, to conclude, allow us to reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with Africa. We will continue to defend Africa's sovereignty, to ensure its voice can ring out loud and clear, and to support its priorities in all multilateral fora. We cannot emphasize enough that Africa's industrialization is not simply Africa's project; it is a global necessity if we are to establish a fairer, multipolar, and sustainable world for all. Thank you, Madam President. GA · PGA [15:33]: Muchas gracias. I thank the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belize on behalf of the Caribbean Community. Belize · CARICOM [15:57]: Madam President, distinguished colleagues, good morning. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the 14 Member States of the Caribbean Community on agenda item 124, strengthening of the United Nations system. CARICOM thanks the Secretary-General for his report on work stream two of the UN80 initiative. And we recall his initial briefing and presentation to the membership in August, and the opportunity then to provide preliminary reflections. Today's formal consideration allows us to reaffirm our support for the reform process and to also signal CARICOM's readiness to engage in the next phase of consideration. Madam President, CARICOM reiterates that mandates are the prerogative of member states. and that Member State ownership must remain central to the reform process as a whole. We stressed the importance of predictable and sustainable financing for mandate delivery, and reaffirmed that efficiency must never come at the expense of substance, equity, or the visibility of issues of particular concern to small island developing states. In considering approaches to mandate implementation review, CARICOM remains open to constructive ideas that can strengthen organizations' effectiveness, while underscoring that reforms must not dilute commitments vital to our development and resilience. Madam President, CARICOM welcomes the appointment of Jamaica's Permanent Representative, His Excellency Brian Wallace, alongside Her Excellency Carolyn Schwager, Permanent Representative of New Zealand, as co-chair of the newly established informal ad hoc working group on Workstream 2. This development provides a valuable opportunity for inclusive membership-driven dialogue on the proposals before us, and CARICOM stands ready to contribute actively. We also look forward to receiving regular updates on actions taken by the Secretary-General within his authority to advance this reform track and to maintain in a spirit of partnership as the initiative unfolds. In that regard, CARICOM equally looks forward to the overarching delivery of all three work streams under this initiative, which together will determine the overall success of UN80. Madam President, As the United Nations commemorates its 80th anniversary, CARICOM reaffirms its commitment to working with the Secretary-General and the wider membership to build an organization that is more responsive, more efficient, and better positioned to deliver for present and future generations. I thank you. GA · PGA [18:44]: I thank the distinguished representative of Belize. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Angola. Angola [19:04]: Madam President, Excellencies, thank you for the opportunity to address the General Assembly today. Angola aligns itself with the statement delivered by Guinea-Bissau on behalf of the African Group. My delegation welcomes the introduction of the Secretary-General’s report on the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa and expresses appreciation for the work carried out by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. IDA3, launched in 2016, enabled important advances, including the consolidation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, now ratified by most of African states. These achievements represent historic milestone for trade and integration on our continent. However, the ACG's reports also highlights the persistent challenges: insufficient infrastructure, weak integration of regional value chain, limited technological capacity, and the lack of adequate financing for industrialization. These factors continue to constrain the full structural transformation that Africa needs. The business remains unfinished. Therefore, Angola supports the mobilization efforts already underway to launch the fourth industrial development decade for Africa to accelerate its industrial transformation. Allow me to recall that during this high-level week of this General Assembly, At the UNID high-level event on the Fourth Industrial Development Decade for Africa, His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union, reaffirmed, and I quote, "Industrialization is not an option, but an essential condition for Africa's full transformation." Today, Angola reiterate that conviction and underlines its national contribution to this common endeavor. Madam President, in cooperation with partners, my country has been implementing programs for economic diversification and export promotion while investing in strategic projects such as the Lobito Corridor, strengthening regional value chains and boost African trade integration. In this context, Angola will host from 28 to 31st of October 2025 in Luanda, the Summit on Infrastructure Financing as a Driver for Africa's Development, which will serve as an opportunity to align strategic investment with objectives of continental industrialization. To conclude, Madam President, The Fourth International Decade for African Industrialization has an important objective. It will build on long-standing commitments and sustainable industrialization across the continent. Therefore, Angola reaffirm its commitment and calls on member states, regional and international organization to support the effort to transform the vision of Africa's industrialization into concrete reality. Thank you. GA · PGA [22:43]: I thank the distinguished representative of Angola. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Maldives. Maldives [23:13]: Thank you, President. I thank the Secretary-General for his informative and comprehensive report on the mandate implementation review under workstream 2 of the UNGA80 initiative. Reform is our collective chance to restore purpose, to lift those left behind and bring fairness to those who have gained least. It must not become a contest of survival. True reform strengthens the vulnerable and renews faith in inclusive multilateralism. The United Nations urgently needs comprehensive and coherent reform to stay relevant, deliver on its mandates, and meet the expectations of our peoples. The Maldives has consistently supported this effort. We continue to call for reform that are member state-led, member state-driven, equitable, and focused on real implementation. The General Assembly has established an ad hoc working group on the mandate implementation review as part of the broader UN80 reform. The Maldives will actively engage in its work to ensure that existing mandates supporting SIDS are strengthened and streamlined with a clear focus on tangible impact in the islands. The process must not move decisively from review to meaningful implementation, ensuring that mandates are carried out effectively, efficiently, and with the necessary resources to deliver tangible results on the ground. Too often, UN reform has shifted its presence from small states to larger neighbors. For sites like the Maldives, this weakens support where it is needed most. A sustained and visible UN presence in our islands is not bureaucracy. It is a lifeline for sustainable development. Reform must reinforce that presence, not diminish it, and ensure sufficient capacity with secure and predictable financing. The Maldives stands ready to work with all partners to advance UN reform that restore purpose, strengthens equity, and enhances delivery for the generations that will inherit this organization. I thank you. GA · PGA [25:30]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Maldives. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [25:55]: President, colleagues, Russia aligns itself with the statement made by Venezuela on behalf of the group of friends in defence of the UN Charter. In our national capacity, we would like to note the following. First of all, we are grateful to the Secretariat for preparing a report on update information on the outcomes of the third decade of industrial development for Africa, 2016-2025. and the positive impact this has had on the industrialisation of the entire continent, in line with Agendas 2063 and 2030. According to UN assessments, the industrial sector in Africa has a significant amount of potential, and this is being shown on their economic growth. In 2024-2025, GDP growth rates across the continent were above global averages, and the added value of the overall industry in North, West, and Eastern Africa increased by 7%. We believe it's important to safeguard these successes and focus on accelerating the relevant reforms for this to assist the planning and holding of the fourth decade of industrial development. In December, there's an important date. Coming up, 65th anniversary of the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. Russia has always, in words and in acts, supported African states in their efforts to create a fairer, multipolar world and to eradicate the social economic inequalities that are a hangover from colonial times. Unfortunately, this discriminatory attitude to the continent has not gone away. Exploitation of African countries is continuing in taking the form of unequal trade economic agreements, the dependence on commodities, and illegal financial flows, and the impact on their economy, the debt distress following credit policy of the largest donors and international financial institutions. Western investment is only worsening these disparities, as well as the North-South technological and digital divides. An eloquent example of this, although the global coffee market is evaluated at about 460 billion US dollars, Africa provides the raw materials for this, yet receives only 10% of the profits. The rest is drained out to the so-called countries of the global billion. The foreign affairs minister of South Africa, Lamola, noted quite rightly that the resources are being drained out of the continent, but ready-made products are being brought in at inflated prices. Despite the work towards a new multipolar world, here we're also seeing the impact of the old colonial rules-based order. Nevertheless, the trend of the rise of Africa, to quote Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov, is something that is unstoppable. of the 20 fastest growing economies in the world are in Africa. In 2021, the African Continental Free Trade Area will reach record levels of domestic trade. According to World Bank, by 2035, the continent-wide export could increase by more than 80%. We continue to support Africa in its efforts to be a standalone, independent, and influential center of global development. In this context, we'd recall that in November, we're having the second ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Forum, and also the third Russia-Africa Summit, which will be held in 2026. We are convinced that these events will make a tangible impact on further developing our cooperation in various different areas, including industry. In recent years, over the last year, trade turnover with countries between Russia and countries in Africa reached increased by 13% and reached 27.7 billion US dollars. Our companies have already working for a long time in various sectors of the of economies of African countries, oil and gas, atomic energy, chemical industry, car and transport manufacturer, geological prospecting, digital industrialization, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and fishing. The interest in There's a growing interest in our economic players working in Africa, and we are having a lot of requests from African friends that they are ready to create their own industry in African land, and we'll help them with that. We are convinced that industrial development in Africa is inextricably tied with mutually beneficial partnerships that should be created, and one such reliable long-time partner is our country. Thank you very much. GA · PGA [31:03]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe [31:28]: Thank you, Madam President. We welcome the convening of this important meeting and thank the Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization for the comprehensive report on the implementation of the third industrial development decade for Africa. We take note of the report's findings, including evidence of progress in industrial development in Africa, improvement in industrial infrastructure and regional integration, and increased intra-African trade under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area. We thank UNIDO and other agencies for their efforts in coordinating multi-stakeholder action across key sectors that include renewable energy, agribusiness, trade value chains, and digitalization. Indeed, African countries continue to intensify efforts to enhance infrastructure development, strengthen human capital and industrial capacities, advance a just and equitable energy transition, support the growth of small and medium enterprises, and promote digital transformation and innovation as key drivers of sustainable development. With support from partners, the UN system, and multilateral financial institutions, we can drive industrial development in Africa. Zimbabwe provides a practical example where smallholder farmers in the agribusiness and rural development sectors benefited from Afreximbank's funding that facilitated their integration into value chains, thereby enhancing productivity and improving livelihoods. In renewable energy, and energy efficiency. Zimbabwe benefited from the Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa program, strengthening human capacity in renewable energy. The Renewable Energy Fund is an example of effective collaboration between the United Nations system and the private sector in broadening access to renewable energy in last-mile markets. Despite significant progress, challenges continue to limit industrial transformation in Africa. Trade costs remain comparatively high on the continent, a challenge that disproportionately affects landlocked developing countries. Access to reliable energy also remains limited, while the continued export of raw and unprocessed materials deprives the continent of significant revenue that could otherwise be generated through increased beneficiation and value addition. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated and sustained action, the adoption of innovative solutions, and most importantly, the mobilization of adequate, predictable, and accessible financing. As I conclude, it is important that the priorities of the Fourth Industrial Decade for Africa are closely aligned with the second 10-year implementation plan of the AU's Agenda 2063, as well as the objectives of the Pact for the Future. We welcome the commitment to broad consultations with Member States on the elaboration of the Fourth Industrial Decade and assure you of Zimbabwe's active and constructive participation in that regard. I thank you, Madam President. GA · PGA [34:52]: I thank the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt. Egypt [35:18]: Madam President, Egypt aligns itself with the statement made on behalf of the African Group. We wish to stress the following remarks in our national capacity. Egypt welcomes the report of the Director-General on the implementation of the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa. We laud the efforts made by the UNIDO throughout this decade. This report highlights the progress made by the African continent in industrialization, as well as the challenges that continue to be faced by this continent. Egypt reiterates that industrialization is a cornerstone for sustainable development in Africa and for the establishment of job opportunities and added value. As pointed out in the report, the share of industrialization of the GDP on the African continent remains low. Therefore, it is of utmost necessity to build capacities and ensure access to funding. We reiterate our concern vis-à-vis the limited progress in industrialization on the African continent amid current structural challenges. The industries. have only, in fact, amounted in 2024 to 10% of the GDP, while industrial production is limited to the textile and clothing or areas such as textile and clothing. In this regard, our contribution must be enhanced. Egypt reiterates the need to ensure the identification of current projects implemented on the African continent to ensure the progress in industrialization and to highlight the challenges that must be tackled during the fourth decade for industrial development in Africa. Egypt reiterates the important role played by infrastructure, digitization, as well as access to energy to enhance competitiveness by the African continent. We welcome the important role of digitization and energy transition highlighted in the report, including further reliance on solar power. We reiterate the need to increase skills and entrepreneurship, including integration and value chains, as well as industrialization skills and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. We reiterate the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area. This is of utmost importance to enhance intra-African trade and increase added value creation. We continue to contribute to the acceleration of the implementation of the agreement on the African Continental Free Trade Area to ensure diversification of the industries on the African continent. We support the establishment of the fourth industrial development decade for Africa to address current shortcomings. This new decade must focus on green development, innovation, women empowerment, and job opportunities for youth, leaving no one behind. We stress that the success of industrial development in Africa requires a renewed global cooperation with strengthened international solidarity. We call upon all development partners to provide funding and ensure access to technologies and capacity building in line with the Compromiso de Sevilla as well as the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Thank you, madam President. GA · PGA [39:33]: I thank the distinguished representative of Egypt. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa. South Africa [40:03]: Thank you, Madam President. South Africa associates with the statement made by Guinea-Bissau in terms of the third industrial development decade for Africa and looks forward to the fourth industrial development decade. South Africa also welcomes the presentation of the report of the Secretary-General on the UN80 initiative, workstream 2, mandate implementation review. The report is concise, with information that provides a clear understanding of the mandate life cycle and associated challenges that face each stage of mandate creation, delivery, and review. The proposals presented by the Secretary-General are detailed and provide food for thought as to how we can collectively improve mandate implementation. Madam President, South Africa would like to highlight a few areas in this report. Regarding mandate creation, General Assembly resolution 77/335 calling for the expanded use of digital repositories to strengthen institutional memory is a key factor in assisting us to shape future mandates and avoid unproductive duplication that comes with additional costs. In this regard, the immediate implementation of this resolution should be heeded in order to facilitate an operational digital mandate registry. It is of the utmost importance to ensure that at the point of mandate design, required financial and human resources are duly allocated. Without this early linkage, mandates immediately become obsolete and ineffective. We have an obligation to correct this oversight, and during our review process, we will simultaneously take into account consideration of the ever looming financial constraints of the organization. In this regard, we support the proposal to refrain from mandating new tasks that are not backed by corresponding resources. Regarding mandate delivery, it is welcoming that the report acknowledges that the value of the UN system is judged on the effective delivery of mandates. This would be further linked to the trust and confidence that is then increased in the UN system successfully dealing with global challenges facing developing countries. It’s concerning that the proliferation of meetings, as a result of an increase in newly created bodies, has had a greater demand for meeting support. Our review process will have to further explore and unpack in detail the effective use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve our working methods. Mandate delivery management will require non-tolerance of conducting business in a silo approach within the UN system, especially when calling for effective coordination across entities on the division of labour during programmatic and budgetary preparatory processes. In this regard, the Resident Coordinator system would need to provide value for money when strengthening the internal strategic oversight of the UN system division of labour. While the report touches on funding being a precondition for mandate delivery, it is equally important to stress that the volatility of dependence on voluntary contributions will remain high. Member States' obligations regarding assessed annual contributions have to be honored without reservations. With regard to mandate review, it's concerning that there are limited review mechanisms in place to effectively gauge the worldwide impact of the UN. In this regard, instead of using valuable resources on the establishing of new bodies, There should be a strategic reorientation to redirect the resources to beefing up mandate reviewing capabilities, including the impact of mandate implementation. From our national experience, the expertise and knowledge that comes from the UN while implementing mandates has a profound impact on development, but it will be useful if this can be measured and reported on. In conclusion, Madam President, South Africa looks forward to actively contributing to the discussions and recommendations of the newly established ad hoc working group on mandate implementation covering work stream 2. We thank you. GA · PGA [44:50]: I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa. We have heard the last speaker in the debate on these items. The Assembly has thus concluded the stage of its consideration of agenda items 13, 117, 123 and 124. The meeting is adjourned. I wish you all a good day.