UNGA81: Amandla Institute Gathers World Leaders In New York, Celebrates UN Deputy Chief Amina Mohammed

The Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement has hosted a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The event took place on September 19, 2026, at The Westin, Times Square, with the theme Africa’s Expectations of the New UN Secretary-General: Africa, Multilateralism and the Future of Global Governance.

The forum was organized to discuss what Africa expects from the next UN Secretary-General as the Security Council prepares for this year’s succession vote. It was the second time the Institute is hosting a high-level event on the margins of the UN General Assembly.

In his welcome address, the Founder of the Institute, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, said the choice of the next UN leader reflects Africa’s expectations from the global system, including its institutions, priorities, power sharing and ability to respond to a changing world.

He said African countries should go beyond talking about marginalisation and instead position themselves as major stakeholders with interests to protect, responsibilities to fulfil, ideas to share and institutions to reform.

The Immediate Past President of Botswana, H.E. Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, delivered the keynote speech.

After the keynote, a panel session was held. The session was moderated by Professor Adebayo Olukoshi, President and Chief Executive of the Amandla Institute.

Panelists included H.E. Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Monde Muyangwa, former Assistant Administrator for Africa at USAID, Professor Ebenezer Obadare of the Council on Foreign Relations, and Pa Bakary Sonko, AU Youth Peace Ambassador for 2026.

The discussion focused on reform of the UN Security Council, partnership between the UN and AU on peace and security, reparations and restitution, illicit financial flows from Africa, and how Africa can add value to its mineral resources.

The event ended with a vote of thanks by Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, Chairperson of the Governing Board and Co-Founder of the Institute.

The highlight of the evening was a special cocktail reception organized to honour the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Amina J. Mohammed, where she was presented with a special appreciation award for her service to multilateralism and for promoting Africa’s voice in the global system.

The Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement is a pan-African body focused on leadership and policy solutions for Africa’s transformation. It publishes policy reports, hosts high-level policy dialogues and leadership meetings, and provides training and mentorship at the intersection of leadership and policy.