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Every year on 24 October, we observe the United Nations Day, marking the anniversary of the 1945 United Nations Charter. Happy UN Day!Today, we mark the 81st anniversary of the Charter – a historic promise by nations to save future generations from war, uphold human rights, and foster international cooperation. Just as the drafters of the Charter were confronted by the devastation of war at the time, pressing questions confront us today: Have we done enough to save generations from war? How can we restore confidence in multilateralism at a time of growing geopolitical tensions and wars, an accelerating climate crisis, widening inequalities, unparalleled technological evolution, and declining public trust in institutions? How might we win the new wars of our time, both literal and figurative?The recent General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was guided by the theme, "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All." Heads of state and governments emphasized that trust in the United Nations could only be built through translating commitments into measurable progress while also responding to pressing contemporary challenges: geopolitical tensions, peaceful resolution of differences, climate change and climate justice, growing inequalities, and managing the technological revolution, among others. However, one theme resonated across many interventions, particularly from African and other developing countries: the United Nations must become more representative in order to align with today's realities and deliver for all.This is not a new call. For decades, countries have pressed for reforms that would reflect the changed global landscape since the United Nations was established in 1945. Representation must translate into voiceThe world of today bears little resemblance, if any, to the one of 1945 when the United Nations was born.  Few institutions would remain or survive unchanged for over 80 years, hence the ongoing calls for UN reforms.Beyond universal membership, the legitimacy of the United Nations depends on the credibility of its decision-making structures in line with the sovereign equality of all members.Eswatini occupies a special place in the efforts to reform the United Nations. The Ezulwini Consensus of 2005 gave birth to the African Common Position on the Reform of the UN security Council. More than two decades later, Africa’s demand for equitable representation remains unachieved. That can only undermine trust.A more representative UN Security Council would give greater voice to regions that have historically been underrepresented despite being central to many of the Council's decisions and deliberations. It would strengthen both the legitimacy of its decisions and confidence in the multilateral system itself.A fairer financial system – The new frontlineTrust is also shaped by the extent to which the global system facilitates equal opportunity for all countries to pursue sustainable development. The traditional model of development funding has been withering away, giving way to an era of development financing, domestic resources and investments as the drivers of sustainable development. Yet, the pace of the decline in development funding has not been matched by by an equal pace in enhanced access to affordable finance. Thus, for many developing nations, high borrowing costs and debt burdens continue to constrain fiscal space, in turn limiting investments in critical infrastructure such as energy, in health, education, climate resilience, and decent jobs. This quest for access to affordable finance is the new frontline.Restoring trust in multilateralism means confronting the structural foundations of the high cost of finance for countries that most need it. This takes us back to the resounding message of the 81st UNGA: the need to go beyond declarations and commitments, to action. We have not lacked in declarations.The 2015 Third International Conference on Financing for Development (ICFD) adopted the Addis Ababa Action Agenda which envisioned, among other things, a reformed finance system to facilitate the 2030 Agenda. Ten years later in 2025 the Fourth ICFD adopted the Sevilla Commitment which, again, called for global financial reforms to address gaps in sustainable development. The Savilla Commitment itself built on the Pact for the Future, adopted at the Summit of the Future in 2024, which explicitly called for reforming the outdated global financial architecture to bridge the massive sustainable development funding gap. Progress remains modest despite the urgency required to achieve the SDGs.There is hope, however. The launch of the Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) in October 2026 is a commendable move by the African Union and likely a gamechanger. It means fairer risk ratings and therefore lower borrowing costs for African countries.  It will also ensure that assessments of African economies are informed by data and context that accurately reflect economic assets and realities. Notably, aligning Africa’s mineral wealth with financing needs will be key.For countries such as Eswatini, more affordable finance means more resources available to ensure affordable, and sufficient energy, build resilient economies, strengthen public services, and create opportunities for future generations.Climate action means honouring commitmentsFew issues illustrate the relationship between trust and delivery more clearly than climate action.Here in Eswatini, we are in the throes of yet another el nino weather upheaval which looks set to devastate the country and the region. Around the world, communities are experiencing the impacts of rising temperatures, extreme weather events, droughts, floods, and environmental degradation. Meanwhile, the pace of international negotiations appears to be of sync with the urgency of the moment. Nations and people on the frontlines of climate shocks need urgent and meaningful action on climate commitments, including predictable, timely financing to cope with the impacts and sustain their development momentum. The same principle applies to the global energy transition. Moving towards low-carbon development is essential; we must however ensure that the accent remains strongly on a just energy transition: Developing countries need access to finance, technology, and investment to expand clean energy access, while those countries with the means must continue to lead the transition from the front. Expecting energy transitions without the facilitative means is as unjust as it is impractical. As countries prepare to head to the 31st round of climate negotiations under the Paris Agreement (COP31) in Türkiye this November, the challenge to match the commitments made with implementation, accountability, and practical solutions for those facing the greatest vulnerabilities.Reforming to strengthen deliveryThe growing demand for reform is also reflected in the UN80 Initiative, which seeks to strengthen the efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of the United Nations system. At a time of increasing development needs and constrained resources, the initiative recognises that restoring trust requires a UN that is more coherent, agile, and accountable, one that reduces fragmentation, embraces innovation, and directs resources where they can achieve the greatest impact.For Eswatini, these reforms have practical significance. As the country advances its national development priorities and works to address challenges such as youth unemployment, inequalities, climate vulnerability, and economic transformation, there is a growing need for integrated solutions and stronger partnerships. The United Nations Team (UNCT) is Eswatini has been alive to and has adopted an increasingly coordinated approach to its work.  The UN is leveraging its expertise, innovation, and lessons from across Africa and the world, connecting Eswatini to regional and global knowledge, partnerships, and financing opportunities. By drawing on the collective strengths of the UN system at country, regional, and global levels, the organisation is helping the country to position itself to attract finance and investments.The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2026-2030, developed jointly with the Government of Eswatini, reflects this approach. It aligns UN support with national priorities and focuses on advancing inclusive social wellbeing, resilience, and sustainable prosperity. Its success, like the success of UN reform itself, will ultimately be measured by the tangible results delivered EmaSwati. On behalf of the UNCT, I pledge our unwavering partnership with His Majesty’s Government and the people of Eswatini. A Shared ResponsibilityUnited Nations Day is both a moment of reflection and a call to action.Restoring trust in multilateralism is a shared responsibility of the united nations: the member states honouring their commitments, investing in collective solutions, and managing transformation in a rapidly changing world.Happy UN Day 2026!