UN Chief Hails AU as Flagship of Multilateralism, Pledges Firm Support

ADDIS ABABA, February 14, 2026 (ENA) — The United Nations has described the African Union (AU) as a leading force for multilateral cooperation, reaffirming that Africa remains at the top of the UN agenda amid growing global divisions.

Addressing African leaders at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU, UN Secretary General António Guterres said that the AU stands out as a pillar of solidarity in a fractured international landscape.

“In a world filled with division and mistrust, the AU is a flagship for multilateralism,” he said. “I will carry with me always the unwavering, decisive support of the African group in the UN on issue after issue, initiative after initiative.”

Guterres expressed appreciation for the consistent backing African countries have provided within the UN system and emphasized that cooperation between the two institutions has deepened in recent years through sustained dialogue and mutual respect.

He pointed to joint frameworks on peace and security, sustainable development and human rights as evidence of that strengthened partnership.

Gutters also cited collaboration during the COVID 19 pandemic and the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2719, which established a pathway for predictable financing of AU led peace support operations.

The Secretary General renewed his support for Africa’s long-standing demand for reform of the UN Security Council, describing the current structure as outdated and unjust.

“The absence of permanent African seats in the Security Council is indefensible. This is 2026 not 1946. Whenever decisions about Africa and the world are on the table, Africa must be at the table,” he stressed.

Reaffirming his personal commitment, Guterres assured leaders that Africa will remain central to the UN’s priorities beyond his current mandate.

“Until the last moment of my mandate, Africa will be the priority number one of the UN in all its activities,” he said, adding,  “Wherever I will be, whatever I will be doing, there will be Africa, always Africa.”