Guterres Says Italy–Africa Summit Sends Strong Signal of Unity Amid Global Divides

ADDIS ABABA, February 13, 2026 (ENA) — António Guterres said the second Italy–Africa Summit taking place in Addis Ababa offers a powerful message of partnership at a time when the world faces mounting geopolitical and economic fragmentation.

Addressing the high-level gathering, the United Nations Secretary General stressed that cooperation rooted in trust and mutual respect is vital to confront shared global challenges.

He described the meeting as “a light in a world of growing divides,” urging that partnerships focus on advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063.

Referring to remarks by Giorgia Meloni, Guterres said Italy’s Mattei Plan demonstrates a renewed commitment to collaboration with Africa and could serve as a model for other partners.

He outlined three urgent global priorities to maximize the impact of the initiative and address long standing structural imbalances while unlocking Africa’s potential.

First, he pointed to the widening financing gap facing developing countries. According to Guterres, nations confront an annual 4 trillion US dollar shortfall in funding for the Sustainable Development Goals, while African countries pay up to eight times more to borrow than advanced economies.

“The SDGs Stimulus sets out a roadmap to close the SDG gap, tackle debt distress and reshape a global financial architecture that reflects today’s realities, not yesterday’s power structures,” he stated.

He called for stronger multilateral development banks, affordable long term financing and comprehensive debt solutions to reduce risk and borrowing costs.

Such reforms, he noted, would also help tackle the root causes of irregular migration by creating employment opportunities and restoring hope.

On climate change, Guterres warned that the world is on track to exceed the 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature limit. He emphasized Africa’s vast renewable energy resources and youthful population as key assets in driving a just energy transition.

“With Africa’s renewable resources and young workforce, and partners bringing capital and technology, the clean energy transition can be a shared engine of growth.

Yet Africa receives just 2 percent of global clean energy investment. This must change,” he emphasized.

He urged scaled up investment in renewable energy, electricity grids and storage, alongside increased adaptation finance and early warning systems that protect lives.

He also highlighted the need to mobilize 1.3 trillion US dollars annually for developing countries by 2035, as agreed during recent global climate discussions in Brazil, and called for fair value chains for critical minerals so that benefits reach African communities.

Turning to digital transformation, Guterres underscored the importance of inclusion and equitable access.

He revealed that he had submitted to the General Assembly a list of 40 experts to serve on an independent international scientific panel on artificial intelligence, whose first report will guide global dialogue on AI governance.

“In July, we must ensure AI is safe, transparent and fair, with the benefits shared by all. That is why I am calling for a global fund on AI to build basic capacity in developing countries, skills, data and affordable computing power,” he underscored.

Concluding his remarks, Guterres said Africa’s progress is central to global stability and prosperity.

“Africa’s success is essential for a safer, more equal and more sustainable world. Let this summit help turn shared principles into shared progress and prosperity,” he stated.