Addis Ababa, November 13, 2025 (FMC) — The African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in addressing global and regional challenges, emphasizing joint action for peace, security, and sustainable development across Africa.
The renewed pledge came during the Ninth AU–UN Annual Conference, co-chaired at the UN Headquarters in New York by African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Both leaders underscored that the AU–UN partnership remains a cornerstone of international efforts to promote stability, development, and respect for human rights. They voiced concern over escalating conflicts and humanitarian crises in several regions and stressed the importance of political dialogue, preventive diplomacy, and mediation as tools for sustainable peace.
The two organizations reviewed ongoing joint initiatives under the three AU–UN Frameworks, noting progress in peace and security cooperation and in advancing development and human rights. They reiterated their shared commitment to support African-led peace processes, particularly in Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Libya, the Great Lakes region, the Sahel, and the Horn of Africa.
A major focus of the meeting was ensuring predictable and sustainable financing for AU-led peace operations, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023). Participants called for accelerated implementation of the AU–UN Roadmap to strengthen collective action on conflict prevention and crisis response.
The conference also highlighted growing collaboration in digital transformation, climate resilience, and inclusive development. Specific initiatives cited included the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa, the G20 AI for Africa Initiative, and the outcomes of the Second Africa Climate Summit.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of empowering women and youth in advancing peace and sustainable growth. They welcomed the AU’s adoption of the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, describing it as a milestone in continental human rights protection.
The AU and UN agreed to hold their Tenth Annual Conference in 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to further strengthen their strategic partnership in support of Africa’s development and global stability.