80 years of the UN in the Congo: a shared history looking toward the future

As the United Nations celebrates 80 years of action for peace and development, the United Nations System in Congo is launching a series of events to mark this historic milestone and strengthen its partnership with the country.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Congo, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo, met with the Congolese press on Thursday, September 25, to discuss the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly and the celebrations marking the Organization's 80th anniversary.

A renewed call for multilateralism

The Resident Coordinator expressed his satisfaction at seeing Congo represented at the highest level at the 80th session of the General Assembly in New York, praising President Denis Sassou-Nguesso's advocacy for multilateralism and his contribution to discussions on reforming the Organization.

This presence was welcomed by the UN as a sign of Congo's ongoing commitment to multilateralism.

“Congo has faith in and is an ally of the United Nations. We are happy and grateful to the Congolese government for its unconditional support. This requires us, in return, to rise to the occasion,” said Mr. Diallo.

Climate leadership and the Global Decade of Afforestation

Mr. Diallo also praised Congo's leadership in forest conservation and the fight against global warming, welcoming the adoption of the Global Decade of Afforestation and Reforestation (2027-2036) on the country's initiative. Congo thus confirms its position as a regional and international leader on environmental issues.

UN80 reform and budgetary challenges

But behind the celebrations, challenges remain. The Resident Coordinator warned of the consequences of budget cuts decided by some Member States, affecting UN agencies, including UNHCR in Congo. In response to these constraints, the UN80 initiative aims to make the system more efficient, streamline mandates, and strengthen impact on the ground.
For him, the future lies in greater innovation and partnerships, including with the private sector, to maintain and expand the UN's work on behalf of the people.

An inclusive and participatory program of activities

But it is not just a matter of observations: the UN is already preparing a participatory and inclusive anniversary. During the meeting, Mr. Diallo presented the program of celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the UN in Congo, which will include:

• A job fair dedicated to young people and people with disabilities on October 22,
• A traveling photo exhibition showing the cooperation between Congo and the United Nations will be open all October.

He asked journalists and civil society to get involved in these activities to share the progress of UN-Congo cooperation and the opportunities for young people with as many people as possible.

A shared history looking toward the future

As the UN prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary, the celebrations in Brazzaville remind us that beyond institutions, it is people—young people, women, people living with disabilities—who are at the heart of this cooperation.

This 80-year milestone is not just a celebration: it is also an invitation to reinvent multilateralism and write the next pages of the shared history of the UN and Congo together.

The history of the UN in Congo does not end at 80 years: it continues to be written, with and for the Congolese people.

“We welcome Congo's continued support and remain determined to live up to that trust,” concluded the Resident Coordinator.