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UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged developed nations to fulfill their commitments to help developing countries fight climate change during his visit to Lesotho. He also expressed his hope that Africa would soon have permanent seats on the UN Security Council.
Guterres emphasized the urgent need for developed countries to deliver the promised $300 billion annually for climate finance, as landlocked and least developed countries like Lesotho are especially vulnerable to the impacts of global warming. He also called for the swift operationalization and generous funding of the new Loss and Damage Fund, which was created to compensate poor countries for natural disasters caused by climate change.
The Secretary-General’s visit to Lesotho comes at a time when the country is facing a severe drought, which has affected more than 27 million people in the region. Guterres highlighted the devastating impact of the drought on crops and the need for urgent action to address the crisis.
In addition to climate change, Guterres also addressed the issue of Africa’s lack of permanent representation on the UN Security Council. He expressed his hope that by the end of his term in 2026, Africa would have at least two permanent members on the Council, calling the current situation a “relic of colonialism.”
During his visit, Guterres will also visit the Katse Dam, an important part of Lesotho’s plans to harness its water reserves. The dam is part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which provides water to South Africa and Lesotho.
Overall, Guterres’ visit to Lesotho highlights the urgent need for developed nations to fulfill their commitments to help developing countries address the impacts of climate change. It also brings attention to the ongoing issue of Africa’s lack of representation on the UN Security Council.