© African Union The Chairman of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Yusuf, received UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa for the 10th Annual African Union-UN Conference. Partnership for the Future: Results of the UN-African Union Conference UN
On Wednesday, António Guterres attended the UN-African Union conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the last time as Secretary-General. He recalled years of efforts to strengthen ties with the African Union and emphasized that this cooperation has become a “unique strategic partnership” that is already bearing fruit in the areas of security and human rights.
“The ties between our organizations are stronger than ever – and will continue to be so,” the Secretary General said at a press conference in the capital of Ethiopia.
The UN head placed special emphasis on the need for reforms of world institutions. Guterres noted that the fact that African countries are still not represented among the permanent members of the UN Security Council is a “historical injustice.” According to him, this is not a question of “symbolism”, but of the Council’s ability to effectively carry out its work.
The Secretary General also touched upon the global financial architecture and lending system. He expressed outrage that developing countries “cost three times more to finance education, health or water supply” than developed ones.
Speaking of the climate agenda, Guterres noted the paradox: having enormous potential for “green” energy, the continent receives only 2 percent of global investment in this area. He said that Africa should not just be a supplier of raw materials, but a production “hub”. he.
Guterres also touched upon the topic of fighting terrorism in the Sahel and the conflict in Sudan. He called for an immediate ceasefire and a transition to civilian rule.
Finally, Guterres recalled the Pact for the Future, which would secure Africa’s role as a key player in the development of technology and AI. He expressed hope that the upcoming UN Climate Conference in Ethiopia will help speed up the release of funds to adapt the region to global warming.