Otunnu Pledges UN Overhaul, Conflict Push in Secretary-General Bid

What the report says

Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu has used his campaign for United Nations Secretary-General to call for a broad overhaul of the organization, including a restructuring of senior leadership, a review of UN mandates and a push to make the institution more efficient and relevant. According to Nile Post, he presented his ideas on Wednesday, August 19, during an interactive dialogue at the UN General Assembly for candidates seeking the top post.

Otunnu argued that the UN is facing a difficult period marked by war, weakened agreement on human rights, economic strain, climate risks and fast-moving artificial intelligence. He said he would prioritize diplomatic efforts on major conflicts, including Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, the Iran conflict and tensions involving Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while also backing stronger counter-terrorism cooperation in the Horn of Africa and Sahel. He also said protection for women and children affected by conflict should remain central to UN peace and security work.

The article says Otunnu also wants the UN to create a dedicated system for artificial intelligence governance and negotiate a global compact on AI. He described the need for rules on access, equity, safety and human oversight. He further proposed deeper partnerships with corporations, foundations and philanthropies to help fund UN programmes and support the Sustainable Development Goals.

Otunnu, who has served as Uganda’s foreign affairs minister and as the UN’s first Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, framed his bid around more than four decades of international experience. He said the next Secretary-General should be a proactive bridge-builder able to connect global policy with local communities.