AMADOU OURY BAH, Prime Minister of Guinea, said that at the time of global turbulence — marked by conflicts, rising inequalities and a climate crisis — it is crucial to be “bold in action and united in vision”.  He emphasized that his country is determined to turn the page on instability and “write a new history, a new story” of a resilient nation that is “reinventing itself” to provide its people with dignity, freedom and prosperity.  Guinea, he said, aims to “become a model of resilience and renewal in Africa” in the face of adversity, with the historic trial regarding the 2009 events serving as a testament to the nation’s fight against impunity.

He said that President Mamadi Doumbouya’s vision is underpinned by five core values:  institutional justice, integrity, reconciliation, recovery and repositioning. These values, he emphasized, will guide Guinea’s transformation “in a spirit of justice, solidarity and dignity”. Detailing the Simandou 2040 Project, he emphasized that the mining initiative has evolved into much more: “a model for comprehensive transformation” for his country.  The project includes a 670-kilometre multi-use railway for iron ore exploitation and integrates social and environmental programmes.  Guinea is learning from the mistakes of other nations that have succumbed to the “natural resource curse” and is committed to making Simandou a lever for shared prosperity and sustainable growth.

Noting that his country is drafting a new constitution, he said it will ensure that “each citizen, regardless of their origins, culture or space, has a role to play in a harmonious and close-knit social fabric”. “The path toward transformation cannot be accomplished singlehandedly,” he said, calling for international support based on “partnership, an active and dynamic alliance” rather than compassion. Highlighting his country’s active role in global peacekeeping, including a commitment of over 650 police officers to the stabilization of Haiti, he urged to “rethink” the ways of resolving persistent conflicts.  “It is high time to transcend purely military responses, and it is time to promote an integrated strategy that combines economic development, institutional strengthening and heightened regional cooperation,” he stressed.

On Security Council reform, he called for “a more equitable and democratic representation” to give Africa permanent seats and veto rights. Also, he emphasized the importance of investing in youth, stressing that this can help combat the “evils that drive them toward clandestine immigration” and drain the country of its human resources. Turning to the technological advancements, he underscored the importance of ensuring that ethics remain central to their use.  “Today we are calling for the nations to come together around a common vision of the world that places humans at the heart of every thought and action,” he stressed, adding: “The world is waiting for us to do this.”