In his address at the UNGA 78 address, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda called for urgent action on global issues, citing the slow progress on sustainable development goals (SDGs) and economic disparities faced by developing states due to the high-interest rates in developed economies. He emphasized that although the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 pandemic no longer a global health emergency, the recovery process has not been equal across regions, leading to unequal progress towards achieving the SDGs.

President Kagame stressed the importance of accountability in financial governance and the management of natural resources in developing countries. He emphasized that increasing access to finance requires the reform of global financial institutions. Additionally, he commended the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for their initiatives in supporting the African startup innovation ecosystem and inclusive digital public infrastructure.

The need for Africa to have full representation in global decision-making bodies and urge the continent to speak with one voice was also highlighted. President Kagame stressed that an effective development cooperation framework should give equal weight to everyone's needs and priorities, fostering fair and equal partnerships and ultimately leading to a more just and peaceful world.

President Kagame announced Rwanda's plan to host the 3rd UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in 2024, underlining the importance of transparency, accountability, and fair partnerships to achieve the SDGs.