Q&A: Amb Olara Otunnu on UN Reform, AI, Africa’s Voice and Global Peace

Uganda’s candidate for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, Ambassador Olara Otunnu, last week spoke to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala after outlining his vision for the UN.

He discussed reforming multilateralism, regulating artificial intelligence, Africa’s representation on the Security Council and what his candidacy means for Uganda.

Below are edited excerpts.

Q: You have spoken about protecting the interests of the Global South. How would you do that, and how would you ensure equitable access to artificial intelligence?

Amb Otunnu: We are all in this together. The distinctions between North and South, East and West, may be useful analytically, but the challenges facing humanity are shared.

Whether we are talking about poverty, financing for development, climate change, artificial intelligence or armed conflict, these issues affect every region. Climate change does not spare any country, and conflicts in one part of the world have consequences far beyond their borders.

Rather than becoming trapped in geopolitical divisions, we should focus on building common agendas and finding win-win solutions. That has been the hallmark of my work throughout my career.

On artificial intelligence, the United Nations should move beyond informal discussions and establish a structured global process. It should bring together scientists, technology experts, governments, the private sector and civil society to develop internationally agreed standards and governance mechanisms.

The UN has the moral authority and convening power to ensure that artificial intelligence becomes a force for good rather than a source of greater inequality or instability. Equally important is ensuring democratic and equitable access so that its benefits are shared broadly across humanity.

Q: Africa has long demanded permanent representation on the UN Security Council. Do you support that position?

Amb Otunnu: Security Council reform remains one of the most important issues before the United Nations.

The Council sits at the centre of the UN system, and the five permanent members exercise extraordinary influence because of the veto.

Every major region of the world has permanent representation except Africa and Latin America. That imbalance is widely recognised.

The discussion has two dimensions. First, how can the Council become more representative of today’s world? Second, should the permanent membership itself be expanded, and if so, how?

Ultimately, these decisions belong to member states, not the Secretary-General. The Secretary-General’s role is to facilitate dialogue, encourage consensus and support negotiations.

Q: If you are not elected Secretary-General, how will your ideas still find their way into the United Nations?

Amb Otunnu: First, let me explain why I am not already in New York engaging members of the Security Council.

Travel disruptions caused by the recent Ebola outbreak delayed my plans. Those restrictions have now been lifted, and I expect to travel soon to begin meetings at UN Headquarters.

I hope member states will judge my candidature on the basis of my record. They know my work in peace and security, mediation, consensus-building and developing practical solutions during international crises. I am not simply presenting ideas; many of these approaches have already been implemented during my career.

I also approach this candidature without any narrow national agenda. My commitment has always been to serve humanity as a whole.

Naturally, I hope to succeed. But if another highly qualified candidate is elected, I would gladly share these ideas. The objective is not personal success—it is a stronger United Nations. If these ideas can help strengthen the organisation under another leader, I would welcome that wholeheartedly.

Q: If elected Secretary-General, would you give special attention to Uganda because it nominated you?

Amb Otunnu: I am deeply honoured to carry Uganda’s flag in this campaign, and I am profoundly grateful to the President, the Government and the people of Uganda for their confidence and encouragement.

If elected, I will always remain proud to be Ugandan. Uganda shaped who I am and made it possible for me to serve internationally.

However, the office of Secretary-General does not belong to any one country. It exists to serve all member states and all peoples.

The agenda I have presented is not a Ugandan agenda. It is a global agenda. The issues we have discussed—peace, development, climate change, artificial intelligence and human dignity—affect Uganda just as they affect every other nation.

Uganda would naturally benefit from stronger global leadership, but so would every other country. My responsibility would be to serve the international community with impartiality and fairness.

Q: What message would you like to leave with Ugandans as you begin your campaign?

Amb Otunnu: I would like once again to express my sincere appreciation to the President and Government of Uganda for placing their confidence in me.

I also thank the people of Uganda for their prayers, goodwill and unwavering support. I hope I will justify the confidence that has been placed in me.

I encourage people to read the profile booklet that has been shared. It tells the story of my journey and many of the milestones in my career. What is particularly meaningful is that much of what is contained in it reflects the assessment of others rather than my own account.