AU, UN Leaders Reaffirm Strategic Partnership at AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (ENA)—On the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf welcomed UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

During their meeting, Chairperson Youssouf expressed appreciation for Secretary-General Guterres’ steadfast commitment to Africa and to strengthening multilateralism amid a period of heightened global uncertainty.

He highlighted that the AU–UN partnership remains a cornerstone of effective global governance and a vital instrument for advancing peace, security, and sustainable development across the continent.

Both leaders reaffirmed their shared resolve to deepen strategic cooperation in line with Africa’s continental priorities under Agenda 2063 and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

 Discussions focused on regional peace and security, sustainable development, and inclusive economic transformation.

Youssouf and Guterres emphasized that Africa’s industrialization is essential to achieving the continent’s growth trajectory, generating dignified employment for its youthful population, and consolidating long-term stability.

They reiterated their commitment to structural transformation, value addition, and resilient economies in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

Secretary-General Guterres commended Youssouf’s leadership in elevating the African Union’s voice and agency in global diplomacy.

He also recognized Africa’s influential role in advancing multilateral reform efforts, notably within the Pact for the Future, where the continent has demonstrated principled and forward-looking leadership.

Guterres reaffirmed that the AU remains the UN’s most strategic multilateral partner, highlighting its central role in shaping global peace and security architecture, conflict prevention and mediation efforts, and development cooperation.

Both leaders underscored the urgency of UN Security Council reform, reiterating that Africa must receive permanent representation in the interest of equity, justice, and the legitimacy of the multilateral system, consistent with the Common African Position.

The Secretary-General further highlighted risks posed by the concentration of capital flows in emerging economies at the expense of developing countries, including in Africa.

Both leaders agreed to intensify joint advocacy with international financial institutions and global financial actors to ensure Africa’s development financing needs are met, including through fair access to capital, debt sustainability measures, and broader reforms of the international financial architecture.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of 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.