The 80th UN General Assembly has opened in New York under heavy strain, but all eyes will shift to High-Level Week on September 22, when presidents and prime ministers take the stage. For Côte d’Ivoire’s Alassane Ouattara, this marks a symbolic comeback—his first in-person UN appearance in three years, just weeks before Ivorians vote in October.
Ouattara is keen to showcase his country as a credible multilateral player, riding on recent diplomatic and financial wins. Abidjan’s deal with Singapore, its €433 million sustainability-linked loan, and its clear pro-Ukraine stance set it apart from many African nations. The Ivorian leader hopes this international posture will boost both his global profile and his domestic legitimacy.
But the timing is tricky. The UN itself is shrinking under funding cuts, wars, and credibility crises. While Ouattara pushes for bigger recognition, the institution he is speaking to is struggling to do “more with less.” Whether his message breaks through or gets lost in the noise of a weakened UN remains t
