Africa@UNGA 81:African Agency, Diplomacy and the Changing International Order

This paper examines Africa’s engagement with the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81), focusing on African diplomatic priorities, participation in multilateral negotiations, and the continent’s position within the evolving international order. Drawing on a structured evidence bank comprising African leaders’ General Debate speeches, African Union statements and policy documents, bilateral agreements, and engagements on the margins of the General Assembly, the paper analyses how African states articulate shared interests while advancing distinct national priorities. Particular attention is given to United Nations Security Council reform, the Ezulwini Consensus, the Sirte Declaration, and Africa’s broader demands for more equitable representation and meaningful participation in global governance. The paper considers both the areas of convergence among African states and the differences in their diplomatic arguments and approaches. By organizing and analysing evidence from official statements, diplomatic engagements, and institutional documents, this study contributes to discussions on African agency, multilateral diplomacy, and the reform of the international system. It is intended as a resource for students, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners interested in African international relations and global governance.