Angolan President João Lourenço has called for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council, saying Africa, Asia and Latin America must have permanent representation.

Addressing the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, Lourenço also called for stronger African-led peace efforts and reforms to the global financial system.

Lourenço says the current international system no longer reflects today's geopolitical realities.

He called for Africa to have permanent representation on the Security Council, with full rights and powers, alongside greater representation for Asia and Latin America.

"Therefore, it is becoming increasingly urgent that a comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council be undertaken, in which Africa, Latin America and Asia are adequately represented as permanent members, with all the powers and rights inherent to that status."

The Angolan president said African countries should take the lead in resolving conflicts on the African continent.

He called for the effective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 to provide sustainable financing for African Union-led peace operations.

Lourenço says strengthening Africa's capacity to prevent and resolve conflicts contributes to global peace and security.

"We remain ready to devote our attention and contribute to resolving the conflicts that persist on the continent. Our approach to peacebuilding initiatives is based on seeking realistic and sustainable solutions, guided by the principle of African solutions to African conflicts."

Lourenço also raised concerns over conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, the impact of wars on food and energy security, and the humanitarian consequences for civilians.

On development, he called for debt relief, accessible financing and climate funding for developing countries, while urging greater cooperation on artificial intelligence and digital development.

As Angola marks 50 years of UN membership, Lourenço says diplomacy and multilateralism remain essential to addressing global challenges.

He ended with a call for dialogue over confrontation and international law over the use of force.

" No weapon is more powerful than diplomacy, because other weapons are used only to destroy lives, infrastructure, dreams and people's futures, while diplomacy is the only weapon that can unite, repair, build and save the lives of peoples, nations and humanity itself."