Celebrity Media Reports from New York’s Africa House; September 27
On the occasion of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the African Union held a special side event to explore new opportunities for Africa through the *Future Pact*.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently addressed the Security Council on African issues, highlighting several key points. Firstly, he called for strengthening Africa's leadership role in the global peace and security architecture, noting that the current global governance system, particularly the Security Council, still fails to adequately represent Africa. Guterres stressed that African nations should be granted a permanent seat on the Security Council to ensure fairer participation in global decision-making.

During the 79th UN General Assembly, President Philemon Yang also emphasized that Africa should play a greater role in global affairs and called for enhanced international cooperation, especially in addressing climate change, promoting sustainable development, and advancing peace initiatives.

At a critical juncture as the world focuses on the *Future Pact*, African leaders and policymakers gathered at the Africa House in New York to explore the new opportunities and challenges this global agreement presents for the continent. Co-hosted by the United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA) and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), this meeting aimed to provide a strategic dialogue platform for African policymakers and global experts to discuss how the *Future Pact* can be implemented in Africa and enhance the region's influence on the international stage.

The *Future Pact* not only symbolizes a global commitment to addressing shared challenges but also paves the way for Africa’s sustainable development, peace and security, technological innovation, and youth empowerment. In a turbulent international environment, Africa faces multiple pressing challenges, such as security threats, funding shortages for development, and rapid population growth. The conference participants explored how to translate the commitments in the *Future Pact* into concrete actions, laying a solid foundation for the continent’s prosperity.

Several key highlights from the meeting stood out. First, discussions centered around the practical application of the *Future Pact* in Africa, particularly in promoting youth participation and technological innovation, giving the younger generation a stronger voice. Moreover, the need to strengthen Africa's leadership in global governance and further elevate its international standing was also emphasized.

Notably, the conference set forth several joint action goals, including promoting peace and security across Africa, encouraging innovative financing solutions for sustainable development, supporting youth and future generations’ empowerment, advancing scientific, technological, and digital innovation, and strengthening global governance and cooperation. These goals aim to ensure that Africa's place in the new global order is solidified, fostering the region's long-term development.

Neville Gertze, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Namibia to the United Nations, and co-coordinator of the Future Summit, remarked, "The *Future Pact* opens a new path for Africa’s development, and it is our responsibility to turn this opportunity into tangible actions for the benefit of future generations." Additionally, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, delivered the closing remarks, underscoring the pivotal role Africa plays in achieving these goals, while also addressing questions from attendees.

The CEO of the Celebrity Media Foundation also attended the meeting, witnessing the dialogue between African leaders and global experts on strategies to chart a new course for Africa’s future. The discussions sparked more global reflection and brought renewed hope for Africa’s future prosperity and progress.

This meeting was not only a platform for dialogue between African and global leaders but also laid a solid foundation for the *Future Pact* as the world moves towards peace and sustainable development.