On the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, a high-level meeting was held between the United Nations and the African Union. The meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The discussion aimed to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions and address key challenges facing Africa.
The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to supporting Africa's efforts to address structural challenges and promote a fairer international order. The two sides emphasized the need for reform of the international financial architecture, debt sustainability, and ensuring that Africa derives greater value from its critical mineral resources. They also highlighted the strategic importance of AU-UN cooperation, including the three existing cooperation frameworks.
The meeting reviewed developments in several African countries, including the Sahel, Libya, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The discussion also focused on the need to strengthen Africa's peace and security architecture, reinforce preventive diplomacy and mediation, and ensure that the necessary resources are available to advance African-led solutions to African challenges.
The two sides expressed concern over exogenous shocks, including conflicts, disruptions to global supply chains, and maritime chokepoints, which are placing additional pressure on African economies and food security. The potential impact of climate-related events was also highlighted. They agreed on the need for concrete follow-up, including finalizing the AU-UN roadmap and planned engagements in Libya and Sudan.
The meeting identified several key areas for cooperation, including identifying countries most vulnerable to food insecurity and developing contingency measures through strengthened coordination and financing. The UN was reaffirmed as a key partner of the AU in addressing peace and security challenges on the continent.
The co-chairs emphasized the importance of finalizing the joint roadmap beyond 2026 and strengthening coordination and financing to address African challenges. They also highlighted the need for sustainable investment and climate finance to support Africa's development.
The high-level meeting between the UN and the African Union demonstrated a shared commitment to addressing the continent's challenges and promoting a fairer international order. The two sides agreed to continue working together to advance African-led solutions to African challenges and strengthen cooperation between the two institutions.
Key points
- The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to supporting Africa's efforts to address structural challenges and promote a fairer international order.
- The two sides emphasized the need for reform of the international financial architecture, debt sustainability, and ensuring that Africa derives greater value from its critical mineral resources.
- The UN was reaffirmed as a key partner of the AU in addressing peace and security challenges on the continent.
