Former Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arancha González Laya, has emphasized that sustainable conflict resolution on the global stage cannot be achieved through quick fixes, stressing that effective diplomacy requires strategic patience and a willingness among conflicting parties to pursue lasting peace.

Speaking in an exclusive interview on Diplomatic Affairs with Harriet Nartey, González Laya cautioned against expectations of immediate breakthroughs in international peacebuilding efforts, noting that meaningful diplomatic progress depends largely on the readiness of parties to engage in constructive dialogue.

"In diplomacy, there are no shortcuts and there are no quick fixes. Diplomacy works when the parties in conflict are ready to find a long-lasting solution. It requires patience," González Laya asserted.

Turning her attention to growing calls for reforms within international institutions, González Laya underscored the critical role of the United Nations (UN) in global governance while acknowledging the urgent need to modernize the institution to address emerging international challenges.

She explained that the UN remains an essential platform where nations converge to deliberate on matters of common interest, stressing that meaningful institutional reforms must be driven by collective political will and constructive partnerships rather than efforts that could undermine the organization's existence.

"The UN is extremely important and it represents something all nations have in common, a table where they all come together," she explained.

"The UN needs to be reformed and changed, but for that change, you need a coalition of countries that want to change, but not destroy."

González Laya further stressed that achieving meaningful reforms within the multilateral system requires visionary leadership, political courage, and a firm commitment from world leaders to strengthen existing international institutions.

"I think we need statesmanship and some form of leaders who are able to take this on, there has to be individual commitment and say this is going to work," she added.

Meanwhile, former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has called for a more confident and assertive Africa in its engagement with international partners, emphasizing the importance of continental unity, economic integration, and strategic leadership.

Speaking on Africa's growing influence in global affairs, Professor Osinbajo cited the rapid ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement as evidence of the continent's ability to achieve significant milestones through collective determination and political commitment.

"The free trade agreement was ratified very quickly, and the fastest of any other treaty in the history of the AU," Osinbajo stated, highlighting the pace at which African countries embraced the landmark trade agreement.

He maintained that Africa's future engagement with the international community must be guided by a clear understanding of its priorities, stronger negotiating positions, and mutually beneficial partnerships rather than dependence on traditional donor relationships.

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"I want to see an African that is much more confident. That knows what they want and can engage with its partners on what they want and need," Osinbajo declared.

The conversations on Diplomatic Affairs highlight the evolving dynamics of global governance, the need for reforms within international institutions, and Africa's growing determination to shape its economic and diplomatic future.

The programme also examines how strategic leadership, political commitment, and stronger international partnerships can contribute to a more inclusive and effective multilateral system.

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