Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
On the occasion of the celebration of United Nations Day, H.E. Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, represented the Burundian Government during the official ceremonies held on October 24, 2025 at the Donatus Conference Center in Bujumbura.
In his speech, he expressed Burundi’s gratitude to the UN for its ongoing support since its independence in 1962, particularly in terms of peacebuilding and sustainable development. The Minister recalled that Burundi, committed to multilateralism, contributed to peacekeeping missions in Somalia and the Central African Republic. He stressed that the country remains committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Discussing the importance of the UN, the Minister affirmed that this organization is a central actor in global governance, playing a crucial role in promoting peace, justice and human rights.
His Excellency The Minister also addressed the need to reform the UN, particularly the Security Council, to better represent African voices and those of the Global South. He called for strengthened cooperation between States, regional organizations and civil society to address global challenges, while calling for concerted action by the international community in the face of economic crises and climate change.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Burundi, Madame Violet Kakyomya stressed that the UN was born from the lessons of the Second World War and embodies a humanist vision of peace and solidarity. She recalled Burundi’s commitment to the principles of the UN since its accession in 1962, and its active role within international bodies. Ms. Kakyomya mentioned the many successes achieved through cooperation between Burundi and the UN, particularly in the areas of health, education and the environment. She also recalled that the UN80 Initiative launched by the Secretary-General aims to make the UN more effective and resilient and clarified that the UN must adapt to the realities of the 21st century by working in synergy with States, regional organizations, and civil society to respond to interconnected challenges such as climate change and economic inequalities.
The Burundian Government, in collaboration with the United Nations, stands ready to pursue institutional reforms and strengthen cooperation to build a more just, inclusive and sustainable future. In celebrating these 80 years of the UN, they called for a renewal of the collective commitment to peace, justice and development, affirming that unity and solidarity are the foundations of common future of Burundi and the world.