AUC Chairperson, UN Secretary-General reaffirm strategic partnership and call for Africa’s Security Council representation

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) – The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed their commitment to strategic AU–UN cooperation and called for Africa’s permanent representation on the UN Security Council during a meeting at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa today.

The two leaders discussed regional peace and security, sustainable development, and inclusive economic transformation, emphasizing that Africa’s industrialization is essential for economic growth, employment creation for the continent’s youth, and long-term stability.

They underscored the importance of advancing structural transformation, value addition, and resilient economies consistent with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

Youssouf highlighted the African Union–UN partnership as a cornerstone of global governance, noting its central role in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development across the continent.

Guterres acknowledged Africa’s growing influence in multilateral diplomacy, including its principled leadership in the Pact for the Future and multilateral reform efforts.

He affirmed that the AU is the UN’s most strategic multilateral partner, playing an increasingly central role in shaping global peace and security frameworks, conflict prevention, and development cooperation.

The meeting also addressed reform of the UN Security Council. Both leaders agreed that Africa must be granted permanent representation to ensure equity, justice, and legitimacy in the multilateral system.

They further discussed Africa’s access to international financial resources. Guterres warned of the risks posed by capital concentration in emerging economies at the expense of developing nations, including African countries.

Both leaders committed to intensifying joint advocacy with international financial institutions and global financial actors to secure fairer access to capital, debt sustainability measures, and broader reforms of the global financial architecture.

The meeting reaffirmed the AU and UN’s enduring commitment to principled multilateralism, collective leadership, and strengthened cooperation in pursuit of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development for Africa and the world.