New York — Ugandan diplomat Ambassador Dr. Olara Otunnu has made a strong impression on the world stage after participating in an interactive dialogue with UN Member States as one of the candidates seeking to succeed António Guterres as United Nations Secretary-General.
Otunnu called for continued reform of the world body and the restoration of its moral authority, arguing that reform is no longer optional but an imperative if the United Nations is to remain effective and trusted in an increasingly divided world.
His performance has generated considerable praise from social media commentators around the world, many of whom have highlighted his clarity, measured delivery, conciseness and eloquence.
“He was very eloquent. I loved the introduction with the husky French accent,” one commentator observed.
“Indeed, he did his best. The entire world has testified. We wait for more sessions today. Olara Otunnu jjuu,” another commentator noted.
“Bold, confident, experienced and intelligent. Olara Otunnu is the man for the UN Secretary-General position,” another praised the former Ugandan diplomat.
Nanyanzi Gladsy described Otunnu as precisely the kind of leader the United Nations needs: “The UN needs a proven warrior for peace, reform and moral authority, and that warrior is Ambassador Dr. Olara Otunnu.”
During his interactive dialogue with Member States, Otunnu avoided diplomatic platitudes and delivered a direct message: the United Nations must reform itself or risk losing further credibility and relevance.
He called for the restoration of the moral authority of both the Secretary-General and the wider UN system. Invoking the Prayer of St. Francis, he spoke of the need to sow love where there is hatred and hope where there is despair, while pointing to his own extensive experience in international diplomacy and peacebuilding.
A Record of Experience
Otunnu is no stranger to the inner workings of the United Nations. As a veteran diplomat, former Foreign Minister of Uganda and former UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, he brings decades of experience in international affairs.
His supporters point to his long engagement with the United Nations and his experience in navigating some of the most difficult challenges facing the international community as evidence that he understands both the institution’s strengths and its shortcomings.
His agenda is ambitious and urgent:
Active engagement in global conflicts: A stronger UN role in addressing conflicts and humanitarian crises, including Gaza, Ukraine and other geopolitical hotspots, with greater emphasis on protecting civilians.
Security Council reform: Meaningful reform that gives Africa a permanent and effective voice in the Security Council.
Responsible governance of artificial intelligence: International frameworks to ensure that AI advances benefit humanity rather than deepen inequality and global divisions.
Protection of children and women: Making the protection of vulnerable populations in conflict a central priority of the UN system.
A more inclusive and effective United Nations: Building an institution that is trusted, representative and responsive to the people and nations it serves.
For his supporters, Otunnu’s candidacy is about more than experience. It is about leadership at a moment when the multilateral system faces unprecedented pressure.
They argue that he knows the UN from the inside, understands the complexities of international diplomacy and has demonstrated an ability to bridge divisions and advance difficult negotiations.
His message is particularly resonant across the Global South, where calls for a more representative and equitable international system have grown increasingly urgent.
As the contest to succeed António Guterres gathers momentum, Otunnu’s performance in New York has placed him firmly in the spotlight and given Uganda a prominent voice in one of the world’s most consequential diplomatic contests.
The question now is whether his vision of a reformed, morally authoritative and more effective United Nations can translate into the broad international support required to lead the organisation into its next chapter.