UN and African Union Chart Future Course for Peace, Reform, and Climate Justice

By: Ahmed Fathi

UNHQ, New York: The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf convened a joint press conference at UN Headquarters today following the conclusion of the 9th African Union–United Nations Annual Conference, a high-level dialogue centered on peace, governance, and sustainable development across the African continent.

Youssouf, presiding over his first conference in his new capacity as Chairperson, underscored that the AU–UN partnership has evolved into a strategic pillar of Africa’s development and stability agenda. “Our two organizations have aligned their development agendas—Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030—and are advancing flagship programs such as Silencing the Guns by 2030,” he said.

He called for predictable and sustained funding for peace operations, highlighting the fragility of conflict zones from Sudan to the Sahel. “We cannot do it alone. Resolution 2719 remains the most sustainable framework for financing peace operations on the continent,” he stated.

Guterres: “Africa Must Be a Priority”

Secretary-General Guterres echoed that message, describing the UN–AU relationship as “never stronger—or more necessary.” He emphasized that Africa’s exclusion from the post-World War II global order constituted a “double injustice”—first through colonialism and later through absence from decision-making in multilateral institutions.

“It is absolutely essential to correct this historic injustice,” he said, calling for permanent African seats on the Security Council and reforms in international financial institutions to ensure equitable representation.

Guterres also announced he would carry this message to the upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg, urging global leaders to triple multilateral development lending and ease debt burdens. He stressed that “developed countries have a moral imperative” to close the climate finance gap, noting that Africa contributes minimally to global emissions yet bears the brunt of climate impacts.

ATN Question: Nigeria, Trump’s Remarks, and the Future of UN Field Operations

During the Q&A, I asked both leaders about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks alleging atrocities and “genocide” against Christians in northern Nigeria—a claim that has drawn widespread criticism—and about the future of UN operations in conflict zones, particularly in light of the organization’s upcoming 80th anniversary.

(ATN):“Chairman Youssouf, what is the AU’s position on President Trump’s statements about Nigeria?Mr. Secretary-General, UN agencies are working in near-impossible conditions—from Gaza to Sudan, Ukraine to Congo. How do you envision their future and protection, given their neutrality and humanitarian nature?”

Chairperson Youssouf firmly rejected Trump’s assertions, clarifying:

“There is no genocide in northern Nigeria. The first victims of Boko Haram are Muslims, not Christians. The complexity of the situation should make us think twice before making such statements. The African Union has made this clear in our communiqué.”

Guterres, visibly reflective, turned to the broader question of humanitarian safety, noting:

“Humanitarian agencies face severe resource cuts and escalating risks. It is a violation of international humanitarian law to harm humanitarian workers. Sadly, the two most dangerous professions today are journalists and humanitarian workers.”

The exchange drew nods from both delegations—an unspoken acknowledgment of how frontline workers embody the shared conscience of the AU–UN partnership.

Pressing Issues: From G20 Boycott to Gaza and Sudan

Earlier, Guterres addressed the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, calling it “repeatedly violated, but holding,” and urging respect for the truce as a step toward a two-state solution. On Sudan, he warned of “mass atrocities and gross human rights violations” and called on warring factions to engage with his envoy Ramtane Lamamra.

Responding to South African journalist Sherwin Bryce’s question about the U.S. boycott of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, Youssouf lamented Washington’s absence but asserted Africa’s growing self-reliance:

“The African continent has decided to take its destiny in its own hands. The G20 is a new platform for us—as a full member—to voice our demands for financial reform and climate justice.”

Silencing the Guns: 2030 or Beyond?

When asked whether the AU’s Silencing the Guns by 2030 initiative remains achievable, Youssouf admitted the target is aspirational:

“2030 might not be realistic, but the effort continues. We are tackling the structural causes of conflict—governance, poverty, and exclusion—and merging peace and governance architectures to make progress.”

Guterres reaffirmed support, warning that unresolved conflicts from Sudan to Somalia could “threaten not only Africa but global stability.”

The Media Question: “Why Africa’s Wars Don’t Trend”

When asked about the disparity in global attention between African conflicts and those in Ukraine or the Middle East, Youssouf’s answer was candid:

“You are 100% right. African conflicts do not get the attention they deserve. The suffering in Sudan or the DRC may be worse than what we see in mainstream media coverage of other wars.”

Guterres added that “geostrategic divides” dictate global empathy, warning that neglecting Africa’s crises is “short-sighted” and “a threat to all.”

A Partnership Under Pressure, Yet Unbroken

As the conference closed, both leaders reiterated the urgency of financing, reform, and fairness—the three pillars they said will define the next decade of AU–UN cooperation.

For observers inside the UN press room, the tone was sober yet forward-looking—a rare alignment between New York and Addis Ababa amid a fractured world.

“Africa is not asking for charity,” Youssouf said, standing beside Guterres. “It is asking for fairness.”