AU-UN Conference: Guterres urges reforms, climate action, and stronger partnership with Africa

Africa

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls for stronger AU-UN partnership, financial reforms, and climate action at 10th AU-UN Conference

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has reaffirmed the strength of the African Union–United Nations partnership, describing the AU as “the flagship for multilateralism in Africa” and “a collective voice of justice for the developing world.” Speaking at his final AU-UN Conference in Addis Ababa on 13 May 2026, Guterres outlined progress and future priorities across four key areas: partnership, sustainable development financing, climate change, and peace.

Guterres announced the signing of a new declaration with AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, aimed at institutionalising coordination mechanisms and reinforcing frameworks on peace, security, sustainable development, and human rights. He emphasized Africa’s imprint in the Pact for the Future (2024), which called for reforms to the UN Security Council to redress Africa’s exclusion from permanent representation — a “historical injustice” he said must be corrected.

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On financing, Guterres highlighted Africa’s vast potential — from the African Continental Free Trade Area to its young population and green energy sector — but warned that progress on Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda is lagging due to debt burdens and inequitable borrowing costs. He urged reforms to the global financial architecture, citing the Sevilla Commitment and supporting initiatives such as the African Credit Rating Agency and the creation of a New African Financial Architecture for Development.

Turning to climate change, Guterres warned that a temporary overshoot of the 1.5°C limit is inevitable but reversible. He stressed Africa’s potential to lead the renewable energy revolution, noting that by 2040 the continent could generate ten times its electricity needs entirely from renewables. Yet Africa currently receives only two per cent of global clean energy investment. He called for tripling adaptation finance, scaling up contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund, and supporting African countries in diversifying economies through local manufacturing and processing of critical minerals.

On peace and security, Guterres reiterated support for the AU’s Silencing the Guns initiative and welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which provides predictable funding for AU-led peace operations. He expressed disappointment that the resolution was not applied in Somalia, where it is most needed. He also addressed conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Sahel, and Libya, urging ceasefires, dialogue, and AU-led mediation.

Responding to questions, Guterres condemned foreign interference in African conflicts, particularly the supply of weapons and drones, calling it “intolerable.” He stressed the urgency of reforms to international institutions, noting that Africa’s underrepresentation undermines legitimacy and effectiveness.

Concluding, Guterres described Africa as “a continent of immense richness and promise,” pledging continued solidarity and support for African-led solutions to global challenges.