UN and African Union Set Joint Priorities to Center Africa on Peace, Finance and Climate

Overview

• The ninth AU–UN annual conference on Nov. 12–13 reviewed cooperation frameworks and emphasized coordinated action on peace, security, development, human rights and climate action.
• Guterres reaffirmed backing for Security Council reform referenced in the Pact for the Future, including permanent seats for Africa to address longstanding representation gaps.
• The UN chief cited urgent security concerns, condemning reported mass atrocities in El Fasher and worsening violence in Sudan’s Kordofans, and warning about rising instability across the Sahel.
• AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the partners have aligned development agendas and will deepen cooperation on peace operations, digital transformation and climate action.
• Both organizations pressed for overhauling the global financial architecture, pointing to steps such as easing debt burdens and lowering borrowing costs as Guterres prepares his G20 push.