(Moscow Bureau) – In its declaration after the two-day extensive deliberations, African leaders, under the auspices of the African Union, renewed their collective pledge to strengthen strategic partnership with United Nations and also prioritize multilateralism on the global agenda.
The leaders further noted the central role of the United Nations, although have consistently called for necessary reforms and improvement of the global governance system. As commitment for raising Africa’s international profile, the leaders demanded, without any further delay, two seats at the Security Council. This would enhance the continent’s participation in the global decision-making process, particularly relating to peace and security in Africa.
Strategic discussions focused on strengthening accountability and accelerating delivery through more effective AU-UN strategic coordination on sustainable development and requests reporting on progress in AU-UN cooperation.
The dialogue also provided an opportunity for forward-looking reflections on the evolving multilateral environment and its implications for delivery on the ground, with an emphasis on safeguarding Africa’s centrality in agenda-setting, implementation, and impact across the continent.
Both Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, in Addis Ababa, talked together on promoting coherence, predictability, and measurable progress in support of Africa’s continental priorities under the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP).
Mahmoud and Guterres reaffirmed Africa’s position on the reform of the United Nations Security Council and reiterated the demand for equitable representation of Africa in global governance institutions. The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for his steadfast commitment to Africa and to the strengthening of multilateralism at a time of heightened global uncertainty. He underscored that the AU–UN partnership remains a cornerstone of effective global governance and a vital instrument for advancing peace, security and sustainable development.
Both leaders reaffirmed their shared resolve to deepen strategic cooperation in line with Africa’s continental priorities as articulated in Agenda 2063, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The meeting reaffirmed 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.