UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the growing importance of cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union (AU) following their ninth high-level conference in New York. He noted that global turbulence—from violent conflicts to climate disruption and technological risks—continues to affect Africa deeply, making the strong partnership between both organizations more vital than ever. AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also highlighted the alignment of their development agendas, especially in the areas of peace, climate justice and energy transition.
Both leaders underscored close collaboration on flagship peace initiatives, including the AU’s goal to Silence the Guns by 2030. They also discussed the need for reform of the UN Security Council, stressing that such changes are essential to strengthening global multilateralism. At the same time, both organizations face financial constraints and must adjust their programmes to support peace operations, counter terrorism, manage conflicts, and address growing humanitarian needs.
Guterres outlined three priority areas for decisive action. First, he called for elevating Africa’s position within the global system, noting that the Pact for the Future supports granting permanent Security Council seats to African nations to correct a longstanding injustice. Second, he stressed the urgent need to overhaul the outdated global financial architecture, which continues to hold back the continent’s development despite its abundant resources. He pointed to African leadership in achieving the Sevilla Commitment and said he would urge G20 nations to accelerate financial reforms at their upcoming summit in Johannesburg.
Finally, he reiterated the importance of investing in peace across the continent. Guterres voiced deep concern about escalating violence in Sudan, rising insecurity in the Sahel, and ongoing instability in countries such as Mali, South Sudan, Somalia, Libya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He warned that the world cannot ignore Africa’s challenges or its immense potential and urged the international community to remain engaged at this critical moment.
