Tanzania has formally outlined its agenda for a bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2029–2030, promising to champion conflict prevention, peaceful dispute resolution and a stronger African voice in global decision-making.
Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi, representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, said Tanzania would use the seat to push for reforms in the international peace and security system while promoting the interests of developing countries.
The election is expected to be held in June 2028, with Tanzania saying its candidacy has the backing of the African Union.
Mr Ndejembi said Tanzania’s priorities would include preventing conflicts before they escalate into war, promoting peaceful settlements of disputes, increasing the participation of women and young people in peace and security initiatives, and reforming UN peacekeeping operations.
“Tanzania believes that the United Nations must continue to be reformed to strengthen the principles of fairness, equality and balanced representation,” he said.
The statement comes as Tanzania seeks to position its domestic development experience and foreign-policy priorities as part of its case for a larger role in international decision-making.
Mr Ndejembi highlighted Tanzania’s progress in maternal and child health, citing an increase in the proportion of births conducted at health facilities from 51 percent in 2015 to 81 percent in 2022.
He said the country had also reduced maternal deaths by 80 percent over seven years, although he stressed that further investment was needed to eliminate preventable deaths.
President Samia has accepted the role of championing maternal and child health on behalf of the African Union, according to Mr Ndejembi.
Tanzania is supporting the “Three Zeros” agenda, which seeks to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths, home deliveries and children missing routine vaccinations.
Mr Ndejembi called for stronger political commitment, adequate financing and closer international cooperation to help African countries achieve the targets.
The health agenda is part of Tanzania’s broader argument that development commitments should translate into measurable improvements in people’s lives.
Tanzania also used the UN platform to renew calls for reforms to the international financial system, saying developing countries need greater access to affordable financing to accelerate development.
Mr Ndejembi said Tanzania’s National Development Vision 2050 provides a framework for building an inclusive and competitive economy through investment in people, infrastructure, technology, innovation, women and youth.
He called for increased concessional lending, greater private-sector investment and improved access to development and climate finance.
Tanzania also wants developing countries to have a greater voice in institutions responsible for financial decisions that affect their long-term economic development.
On climate change, Tanzania said the international community needed to address the gap between global greenhouse gas emissions and financing available to countries dealing with their effects.
Mr Ndejembi said countries contributing the most to global emissions should shoulder a greater share of the cost of addressing climate-related impacts.
Tanzania highlighted its transition towards cleaner energy, including the 2,115-megawatt Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, 650MW of solar and wind projects and plans for 130MW of geothermal power.
The government is also investing in electric rail transport and aims to raise access to clean cooking energy to 80 percent of households by 2034.
On international relations, Tanzania reiterated its opposition to unilateral sanctions imposed by some countries, arguing that they can affect economic development and the ability of citizens to benefit fully from their rights.
It expressed solidarity with Cuba, Zimbabwe and other countries affected by such sanctions and called for steps towards their removal.
On Gaza and the wider Middle East conflict, Tanzania called for the protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian assistance and renewed diplomatic efforts to secure lasting peace.
Mr Ndejembi said Tanzania’s position was anchored in the belief that the UN should serve as an institution based on fairness, solidarity, equality and development rather than primarily reflecting the balance of power among a few countries.
Tanzania’s proposed Security Council agenda therefore combines its call for greater African representation with priorities including conflict prevention, peaceful dispute resolution, peacekeeping reform and a stronger voice for developing countries in global institutions.