Luanda: Angola's admission to the United Nations on 1 December 1976 marked a decisive moment in the international affirmation of the sovereignty of the Angolan state and its full integration into the community of nations.
According to Angola Press News Agency, This assessment was made by Angola's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Francisco da Cruz, while speaking to Angolan journalists on Tuesday in New York at the launch of celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the country's admission to the UN, just over a year after the proclamation of national independence.
According to the diplomat, over the past five decades Angola has evolved from a newly independent state focused on consolidating its independence and sovereignty into a country that actively participates in the multilateral system and seeks to contribute to peace, stability, dialogue and development, particularly in Africa.
He highlighted Angola's presence on the United Nations Security Council in 2002-2003 and 2015-2016, during which it 'contributed its experience as a country that went through a period of conflict and managed to find ways of creating an environment of national unity and stability, an experience that it continues to share, particularly in Africa, in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts'.
He stressed that Angola has also been highly active on development-related issues, seeking to contribute to the reforms needed in global governance so that countries, particularly those in the Global South, can gain access to financing on more affordable terms to promote their development and address the issue of debt.
He also highlighted Angola's presence on the Human Rights Council and its active participation in issues related to climate change, whose effects are felt particularly in the southern part of the country, notably through drought.
During the meeting with journalists, the ambassador advocated reform of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, so that Africa can have permanent members on the body.
Regarding Angola's possible return to the Security Council, he said that, given the country's trajectory and experience, as well as its responsibilities on the continent and its work in conflict prevention, management and mediation, Angola must have a periodic presence on the body.
'We are working towards this, taking into account the rotation system in place at continental level,' he stressed.
Regarding the election of the next Secretary-General, he said the person elected should be strongly committed to the United Nations Charter, multilateralism and international law, understand Africa's positions, particularly with regard to Security Council reform, and remain attentive to development issues concerning the Global South.
On the celebrations marking 50 years of Angola's membership of the UN, he said the aim is to recall the journey undertaken, recognise the contribution of successive generations of Angolan diplomats and, above all, look towards the future of Angola's presence at the United Nations.
'The celebrations will also provide an opportunity to reaffirm Angola's commitment to the United Nations Charter, international law, multilateralism, the peaceful settlement of conflicts and cooperation among states,' he said.
He added that the guiding message for the activities would be to celebrate the past, value the journey undertaken and project the next 50 years of Angola's presence in the multilateral system.
The ambassador stressed that the programme had been designed around five main objectives, namely celebrating 50 years of Angola's presence at the United Nations, highlighting the country's diplomatic journey and its contribution to peace and stability, and reaffirming its commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Another objective is to present Angola's vision for the future of multilateralism and international governance and to strengthen the country's international visibility and its capacity for participation and influence within the multilateral system.
'The celebrations will combine political diplomacy, public diplomacy and cultural diplomacy, while also allowing the international community to learn about Angola's history, culture, identity and transformations,' he stressed.
He said the most important event would be the commemorative session bringing together United Nations officials, representatives of member states, Angolan officials, diplomats and former Permanent Representatives of Angola, constitutional partners, academics, members of the Angolan community and other guests.
Personalities associated with the history of relations between Angola and the United Nations, as well as special guests, will also attend the event, according to Francisco da Cruz. He stressed that it would simultaneously be a moment of remembrance, recognition and reflection on the future.
At the session, Minister of Foreign Affairs T©te Ant³nio will deliver an address covering key moments in Angola's journey, including the significance of the country's admission to the United Nations, the consolidation of national sovereignty, Angola's contribution to the political transformation of Southern Africa, peace and national reconciliation.
The minister will also address Angola's participation in the Security Council, conflict prevention and mediation, the defence of the United Nations Charter and international law, reform of global governance, Africa's representation in international institutions, sustainable development, current challenges facing the international system and the country's vision for the next 50 years.
The event will feature a representative selection of Angolan cuisine, music and visual elements showcasing aspects of the country's cultural diversity, as well as images of some of Angola's destinations and landscapes and a historical exhibition of photographs, documents, speeches, videos and other archival material reflecting the main periods of relations between Angola and the United Nations.
According to the diplomat, the celebrations will also include the publication of a book entitled 'Angola at the United Nations - 50 years of multilateralism, 1976-2026', as well as a posthumous tribute to former ministers of Foreign Affairs and other personalities who played a significant role in the history of Angolan diplomacy.
