Addis Ababa, May 13, 2026 (FMC) — UN Secretary-General António Guterres is in Addis Ababa this week for a series of high-level engagements focused on strengthening Africa–United Nations cooperation on peace, security, and sustainable development, with particular emphasis on coordination with the African Union.
The visit places Addis Ababa at the center of global multilateral diplomacy, as the city hosts both the African Union Headquarters and key United Nations offices, making it a focal point for institutional dialogue between global and continental governance structures.
High-Level Engagements in Addis Ababa
During his stay, the Secretary-General is expected to participate in the 10th African Union–United Nations Annual Conference, a strategic platform designed to enhance coordination on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and development priorities across Africa.
Discussions are also expected to address pressing regional issues, including the situation in Sudan, through established multilateral coordination frameworks involving African and international partners.
The visit also includes commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, reflecting on eight decades of global cooperation since the organization’s founding in 1945.
A Founding Role in the United Nations System
Ethiopia holds a historic place in the formation of the United Nations as one of the original signatories of the UN Charter in 1945 in San Francisco.
Having recently restored its sovereignty following foreign occupation, Ethiopia’s participation in the founding of the United Nations reflected its early commitment to collective security, sovereign equality, and international cooperation at a defining moment in global history.
This foundational role continues to shape Ethiopia’s engagement within the UN system today.
A Longstanding Contributor to Global Peacekeeping
Ethiopia has been among the most consistent contributors to United Nations peacekeeping operations over several decades.
Ethiopian peacekeepers have served in multiple missions across Africa, including in South Sudan, Abyei, and Somalia, earning recognition for professionalism, discipline, and operational effectiveness in complex environments.
The country has also expanded the participation of female peacekeepers, reflecting broader efforts toward inclusive contributions to international peace and security.
Addis Ababa as a Diplomatic Hub
Addis Ababa has evolved into one of Africa’s most important diplomatic capitals, hosting both the African Union Headquarters and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), established in 1958.
This institutional presence has made the city a central platform for global and continental diplomacy, where multilateral discussions on peace, governance, and development regularly take place.
A Continuing Multilateral Partnership
The Ethiopia–United Nations relationship continues to reflect long-standing cooperation across peacekeeping, humanitarian response, development, and institutional engagement.
The Secretary-General’s current visit underscores the sustained importance of Ethiopia as a host country for key multilateral institutions and as a central partner in Africa–UN coordination frameworks.
A Legacy Anchored in Multilateralism
From its role in the founding of the United Nations to its continued participation in peacekeeping and institutional cooperation, Ethiopia remains an active contributor to the principles of multilateralism.
As the United Nations marks 80 years of existence, the enduring partnership between Ethiopia and the UN reflects a shared commitment to collective action in addressing global challenges.