Disruption of Global Order: We must expand opportunities for youth – Mahama.

At the presidential roundtable hosted by the Open Society Foundation during the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama emphasized the need to expand opportunities for youth amidst the rapid evolution of the international development landscape. Mahama pointed out that the global order is experiencing severe disruption as countries in the Global South grapple with mounting debt pressures, but he highlighted that opportunities for innovation and reform persist.

Mahama stated that in the midst of chaos, new ideas and partnerships emerge. He argued that governments must focus on job creation, public service improvement, infrastructure development, and expanding opportunities, particularly for young people. For Ghana, the priority lies in enhancing its capacity to pursue these goals with confidence and continuity, regardless of the changes occurring around it.

The President also discussed Africa's long-term strategic pathway, outlined in Agenda 2063, which emphasizes building productive economies, robust institutions, deeper regional integration, and increased opportunities for the continent. He stressed that African leaders must urgently strengthen institutions, financing capabilities, and delivery systems to achieve these ambitions.

Mahama introduced the "Accra Reset" Initiative, which aims to address the urgent actions nations must take in a shifting global context. He explained that the Accra Reset questions what countries need to act with urgency and what a more balanced relationship with international partners could entail. He stressed that sovereignty in this context means having the capacity to set priorities, negotiate effectively, mobilize resources, and follow through on decisions.

Recognizing the internal challenges Ghana faces, Mahama outlined the need for stronger coordination across government, better program preparation, greater domestic resource mobilization, sound financial management, and institutions capable of demonstrating clear results. He also called for leveraging capabilities outside government, including civil society, business, academia, and local communities, to carry one's share of responsibility for greater leadership room.

Turning to international partners and philanthropic organizations, Mahama urged global institutions to move away from short-term programs to long-term capability building. He questioned how international cooperation could strengthen national capabilities and work through local systems when standards are met, while reducing unnecessary duplication while maintaining accountability.

He highlighted the vital role of philanthropy in areas such as health, education, governance, and research across Africa and called on foundations to use their flexibility to fund public goods and institutional capacity where commercial finance is unavailable. He emphasized that when successful approaches are identified, they should be adopted into public systems, local delivery institutions, and long-term financing models.