When the world gathered in New York, DR Congo showed up, led by women.
At the 81st UN General Assembly, the country's delegation was led by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa alongside Foreign Minister Thérèse Wagner and Ambassador Kapinga Yvette Ngandu
President Félix Tshisekedi did not travel this year, and these women stepped forward to carry DR Congo's voice.
They arrived with a heavy agenda: a war in the east that has displaced millions, a call for justice and peace, and a demand that the minerals powering the world's energy transition must not be "blood-stained."
They also brought a case for investment, jobs and a fair deal for Congolese resources.
To every woman who sat in that hall, listened, negotiated and spoke for 100+ million Congolese: we see you, and we celebrate you.
Africa's future is being built by women at the table, not waiting outside the room.