21 September 2026 (New York, USA) — The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), H.E. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, has arrived in New York to participate in the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Accompanied by a high-level IGAD delegation, the Executive Secretary will engage with Member States, the United Nations, the African Union, development partners and international institutions to strengthen cooperation for peace, stability and climate resilience in the Horn of Africa.
His mission centres on mobilising urgent international action for peace in Sudan, advancing coordinated preparedness for El Niño and reinforcing multilateral cooperation to address the interconnected challenges confronting the region.
On Sudan, the Executive Secretary will call for coordinated diplomacy, unhindered humanitarian access and firm international support for an inclusive, Sudanese-led political process that safeguards the country’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
In parallel, he will advocate for greater investment in early warning, anticipatory action and regional preparedness to protect lives and livelihoods from El Niño and increasingly frequent climate-related shocks.
At a time when conflict, climate shocks and humanitarian crises are testing the international system, the Executive Secretary will champion a renewed commitment to effective multilateralism. In line with the UNGA 81 theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all,” he will emphasise that trust in global institutions must be restored through inclusive cooperation, shared responsibility and tangible results.
Throughout the high-level week, the Executive Secretary will hold bilateral and multilateral meetings to align diplomatic efforts, strengthen partnerships and mobilise political and financial support for these regional priorities.
The UNGA 81 General Debate will take place from 22 to 28 September 2026.
Media contact:
Patience Nyange
Spokesperson of the Executive Secretary
Email: patience.nyange@igad.int
Tel: +254722499837
Austine O. Opata
Head of Communications, IGAD Secretariat
Email: austine.opata@igad.int
Tel: +25377267283
