Addis Ababa: Ethiopia has underscored the urgency to reform the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and its working methods. In his keynote address to the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), Foreign Affairs Minister Taye Atske Selassie said the reform of the Security Council is not only about rectifying the injustice done to Africa, but also about the credibility of the Council itself. 'The impacts of Africa's exclusion on the Security Council's inability to discharge its cardinal responsibilities manifest in its disproportionate focus on internal affairs of African Affairs,' Taye underlined. According to him, the council's lukewarm attitude toward regional solutions and the implementation of measures detached from reality on the ground are results of Africa's non representation. Thus, the Foreign Minister urged the United Nations to prioritize Africa's representation. 'We therefore call on members to commit to prioritizing Africa's representation in both categories of member ship of the UN Security Council with all rights and prerogatives as articulated under Africa's common position.' He also stressed that there is no shortcut or half solution to this long standing quest for equality. Explaining Ethiopia's role as one of the 51 founding members of the United Nations, Taye noted that his country is a strong proponent of effective multilateralism, centered on the United Nations. Ethiopia also views with grave concern the challenges the United Nations facing in discharging its role in peace and security and social economic development. Nevertheless, ensuring readiness and capability of the United Nation to resolve global challenges has been a generational quest, he revealed. For him, the globe is faced with persistent peace and security challenges across the globe. 'There is a devastating existential threat emanating from arms race, extreme poverty, inequality and climate change at the same time global commitment to the sustainable development goals is receding, and the debt crisis in developing countries is worsening.' Furthermore, the Minister stated that our constrained ability to manage the emerging multipolar world carries the risk of undermining multilateralism. 'It is our view that collective security will be realized if states are able to exercise their authority and carry out their responsibilities to safeguard their national security,' he noted. The United Nations should be at the center of efforts to resolve global peace and security challenges, Taye urged. He also called for greater economic and security cooperation among member States, which is pivotal to empowering national institutions. The United Nations should play its role by demonstrating impartiality, independence, competence and credibility among all its members, FM Taye stated. Source: Ethiopian News Agency