Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, Prime Minister and Head of Government, and Minister for Defence, National Security and Environment, of Lesotho, said that despite the selfless contributions of UN leadership, his country is concerned about the budgetary constraints the Organization is facing, which derail the attainment of stated goals.  He pinpointed “the ongoing volatility in global trade and the unilateral protectionist measures”, including selective adherence to the United Nations Charter, as the main challenges to the multilateral system.  In addition, the apparent disregard of General Assembly decisions by some of the powerful members “undermines the credibility and effectiveness of the United Nations”, he said.

Calling for global support for his country’s reform efforts, he welcomed the Southern African Development Community (SADC) decision to formally remove Lesotho from its Organ Troika agenda of countries under special observations — a testament to Lesotho’s “significant milestone” in reforms.  He urged development partners to honour their official development assistance commitments to safeguard vulnerable nations and prevent entrenched underdevelopment.  For its part, his Government is curbing illicit financial flows and enhancing revenue administration to boost domestic resources.  He spotlighted the Just Energy Transition Initiative, a programme involving the country’s pristine mountain waters, strong winds and year-round sunshine, adding:  “Our goal is to harness these resources to achieve our domestic and regional energy security and climate adaptation.”

Because “digital transformation is reshaping our world”, he said his country is prioritizing investments in affordable digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy and nurturing innovation ecosystems.  He noted the disproportional effects of climate shocks on agriculture, a sector that remains the economic centre of landlocked and least developed countries.  “To mitigate these impacts, greater investments in adaptation and resilience are essential,” he said, expressing his Government’s interest in hosting a regional agriculture research hub for the African continent.

He urged coordinated international action to address the global climate emergency and ecosystem degradation and highlighted the critical need to preserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable management of natural resources for climate adaptation.  Underscoring the need for reform of the United Nations, 80 years on, he said the Organization must measure up to contemporary challenges, adding that “reform of the UN Security Council must not remain a distant aspiration eternally”.  Further, he called for equitable representation in the Secretariat as well as “sensitivity to the vulnerabilities of developing States” in the context of the UN80 initiative.