AU, UN, and EU reaffirm multilateralism to tackle global and African crises

Addis Ababa, September 22, 2025 (FMC) – The African Union, the United Nations, and the European Union have renewed their pledge to work together on global and African challenges, with conflict resolution, climate action, and financing for development placed high on their agenda.

According to a statement released by the AU on Monday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf held bilateral talks with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York before joining a trilateral meeting with the UN and EU leaders on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly.

The AU said discussions with the UN focused on reform of the Security Council and international financial institutions, preventive diplomacy, debt relief, and sustainable financing for AU-led peace operations. The two sides also underscored the urgency of climate financing and fairer trade systems to address Africa’s disproportionate exposure to climate shocks.

The trilateral session with the EU concentrated on conflict situations across Africa. The three organizations called for stronger action to halt the war in Sudan, stabilize the Sahel, revive Libya’s political process, and back peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia. They also stressed the need for sustainable financing to ensure the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia operates effectively.

Financing was identified as a central priority, with the AU, UN, and EU urging debt relief, reform of multilateral banks, and ambitious commitments ahead of COP30 in Brazil. They further marked the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 by reaffirming their commitment to advancing women’s participation in peacebuilding.

At the end of the meetings, the three organizations said multilateralism remains the most effective way to confront today’s crises, stressing their determination to uphold the UN Charter and international law.