Tanzania’s Vice President, Dr. Philip Mpango, has urged the international community to renew its commitment to peace, justice, and reforms of the United Nations, warning that persistent violations of international law and militarism continue to fuel human suffering across the globe.
Addressing the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Dr. Mpango condemned the unilateral use of force in conflict resolution and criticized the failure of powerful nations to end bloodshed in various regions.
“The unilateral use of force, militarism, and the failure of the international community to stop deadly wars in many parts of the world is unacceptable,” he said.
Dr. Mpango further decried the persistence of imperialistic attitudes that treat Africa as a source of resource exploitation and land grabbing.
He faulted multinational corporations for profiting from Africa’s natural resources while fueling instability.
He warned that rising global military expenditure, including research and development of weapons, was “morally wrong” and a diversion from investments needed for sustainable human development.
“These resources should instead be invested in education, health, and infrastructure,” he emphasized.
The Vice President praised efforts by the UN Secretary-General, world leaders, and peace organizations working to resolve conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Ukraine, Russia, and the Middle East.
He called for women’s full participation in peacebuilding as the world marks 30 years since the Beijing Declaration on gender equality.
Dr. Mpango highlighted President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership as Tanzania’s first female Head of State, noting her role in championing peace, justice, clean energy, and women’s empowerment.
On continental efforts, he underscored Tanzania’s contribution as a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council and as a former Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation.
He announced Tanzania’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2029–2030 term, reaffirming the country’s strong commitment to peace and security.
He also reiterated Africa’s demand for greater representation on the Security Council, including at least two permanent seats with veto powers.
Turning to global financial reforms, Dr. Mpango joined calls for urgent restructuring of the international financial system.
He pushed for expanded concessional long-term financing, fairer debt sustainability assessments, and stronger African representation in the governance of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Highlighting Tanzania’s progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he noted that the country has achieved 60 percent of its targets.
Maternal mortality, he said, dropped from 750 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 104 in 2022, while access to clean water rose to nearly 80 percent in rural areas and 94 percent in urban areas by 2024.
Electrification also expanded from 8,587 villages in 2000 to 12,318 in 2024, leaving just 15 villages without power.
On climate change, Dr. Mpango called for collective action and urged countries to use the upcoming COP30 in Brazil to deliver on promises, including financing the Loss and Damage Fund, increasing concessional funding, transferring technology, and ensuring fair trade terms to support climate resilience.
“Tanzania remains committed to peace, sustainable development, and inclusive global governance,” he concluded.