Guterres: The African Union is a beacon of pluralism in a world full of division

In his speech before the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Guterres said that the United Nations was honored to support the priorities of the African Union, starting with the Silencing the Guns initiative, through the African Humanitarian Agency, and ending with promoting comprehensive political transformations.

He warned that the absence of permanent African seats in the Security Council is inexcusable, adding: “We are in 2026, not 1946. When decisions are made regarding Africa and the world, Africa must be present.”.

The people of Africa must benefit from its resources

The UN Secretary-General has identified three key areas to focus on when looking to the future: peace, economic action and climate action.

He spoke about a number of regions witnessing conflicts on the continent, including Sudan, where he reiterated that “The parties must commit to an immediate cessation of hostilities and resume talks for a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive and inclusive Sudanese-led political process.”.

Regarding economic work, Guterres warned that Africa loses greater amounts annually to debt service or illicit financial flows than the aid it receives, reiterating the call for reform of the international financial system to ensure that developing countries have a heard voice and real participation in decision-making.

Regarding climate action, Guterres warned that Africa contributed only a small percentage to the climate crisis, but today it faces a rise in temperatures faster than average.

He stressed that Africa can become a leading force in the field of clean energy, calling for… “The people of Africa benefit from its resources.”.

He urged continued work to strengthen the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union for peace, sustainable development and human rights in Africa and the world at large.

Not goodbye

Because the term of Secretary-General Guterres ends at the end of this year, he said at the conclusion of his speech before the African Union Summit: “TheSome describe my presence here today as a farewell, but that is not true. I affirm that until the last moment of my mandate, Africa will remain the first priority of the United Nations in all its activities.

The partnership between the African Union and the United Nations will be our deepest strategic partnership. “After December 31, I assure you that Africa will always remain at the core of my concerns and active solidarity, wherever I am and where I work.”