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Foreign Affairs Minister, Jeje Odongo, advocated for UN Security Council reform and emphasized the importance of global cooperation at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey highlighting Uganda’s role as Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Jeje Odongo

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uganda, Jeje Odongo, has urged the international community to consider reforming the UN Security Council to ensure its efficacy and to support conflict prevention initiatives undertaken by regional and sub-regional organizations.

During his attendance at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) held from March 1-3, 2024, in Turkey, representing President Yoweri Museveni, Minister Odongo emphasized the necessity of global cooperation to comprehend the underlying causes and address the drivers of conflicts in high-level discussions.

Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) in Turkey

Despite several resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly calling for reform, progress toward reforming the UN Security Council has been sluggish. Presently, the Security Council comprises 15 members, including five permanent members and ten non-permanent members.

Over 50 UN member states have never been part of the Security Council. However, non-member states may participate in discussions that concern their interests, albeit without voting rights. Minister Odongo highlighted the imperative for reform due to the Security Council’s binding resolutions, which can encroach upon state sovereignty.

Furthermore, Minister Odongo underscored the significance of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in addressing global challenges, affirming Uganda’s commitment to promoting solidarity and multilateralism as the current Chair of NAM.

The ADF serves as a crucial platform for discussions on various international issues, this year’s theme being “Advancing Diplomacy in Times of Turmoil.”

During his visit to Turkey, Minister Odongo met with Hakan Fidan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, praising the fraternal relations between the two countries and expressing gratitude for Turkey’s assistance in infrastructural development, education cooperation, and foreign direct investment.

Both ministers commended Uganda’s successful hosting of the NAM and G77/China Summits and agreed to expedite pending investment promotion agreements. Additionally, they emphasized the necessity of convening the next Turkey-Uganda Joint Economic Commission meeting.

Accompanied by Uganda’s Head of Mission in Turkey, Nusura Tiperu, Minister Odongo also engaged with representatives of Turkish enterprises, inviting them to invest in Uganda’s priority sectors.