Source: Africa Publicity
On the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State & Government of the African Union AU), the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received the Secretary-General of the UN, António Guterres, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa.
The Chairperson welcomed the Secretary-General & expressed appreciation for his steadfast commitment to Africa & to the strengthening of #multilateralism at a time of heightened global uncertainty. He underscored that the AU–UN partnership remains a cornerstone of effective global governance and a vital instrument for advancing peace, security and sustainable development.
Both leaders reaffirmed their shared resolve to deepen strategic cooperation in line with Africa’s continental priorities as articulated in Agenda 2063 & the purposes & principles of the UN Charter.
The meeting also focused on regional peace & security, sustainable development, & inclusive economic transformation. The two leaders underscored that Africa’s industrialisation is indispensable to achieving the continent’s growth trajectory, generating dignified employment for its youthful population, & consolidating long-term stability.
They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing structural transformation, value addition, & resilient economies consistent with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
The Secretary-General commended the Chairperson’s leadership in elevating the African Union’s voice & agency within global diplomacy. He recognised Africa’s constructive & influential role in advancing multilateral reform efforts, including in the context of the Pact for the Future, where the continent has demonstrated principled & forward-looking leadership.
Secretary-General Guterres reaffirmed that the AU stands as the UN’s most strategic multilateral partner, noting the AU’s increasingly central role in shaping global peace & security architecture, conflict prevention & mediation efforts, & development cooperation.
Mr. Youssouf & Mr Guterres emphasised that reform of the UN Security Council remains an urgent & historic imperative. They reiterated that, in the interest of equity, justice & enhanced legitimacy of the multilateral system, Africa must be accorded permanent representation on the Security Council, consistent with the Common African Position.
The Secretary-General further highlighted the risks posed by the concentration of capital flows in emerging economies at the expense of developing countries, including in Africa. In this regard, they both agreed to intensify joint advocacy with International Financial Institutions & global financial actors to ensure that Africa’s development financing needs are adequately addressed, including through fairer access to capital, debt sustainability measures, & reforms of the international financial architecture.
The meeting reaffirmed the enduring commitment of the African Union and the United Nations to principled multilateralism, collective leadership, and strengthened cooperation in pursuit of peace, prosperity and sustainable development for Africa and the world.
