Rousseff to advocate UN reform

President Dilma Rousseff is attending the opening session of the United Nations Conference on the Post-2015 Development Agenda after hearing Pope Francis' address at the UN Headquarters in New York on Friday (Sept. 25).

On Monday (28), Rousseff opens the UN General Assembly, following the tradition for the event. Observing the 70th anniversary of the organization this year, Rousseff's speech will highlight a need to reform the UN Security Council in order to address the current global challenges, such as immigration and asylum.

The president left Brazil on Thursday evening (Sept. 24), leaving Vice President Michel Temer in charge during her absence. She returns to Brazil after her UN address on Monday.

Back in Brazil, she will resume discussions on the ongoing reform which should reduce the number of ministers from a current 39 to 29. She flew to New York before making any announcements on what the cabinet will look like, because the preliminary arrangements for the new cabinet have raised objections among parties in the governing coalition. The new minister nominations will only be announced next week.

According to a statement released by the presidential office, Rousseff has maintained “fruitful dialogue” with the parties to achieve a reform that “improves the efficiency and good management of public resources while ensuring Brazil's political and economic stability.”

Translated by Mayra Borges