The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. António Guterres, today co-chaired the Ninth African Union–United Nations Annual Conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The two leaders reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the African Union and the United Nations as a cornerstone for global peace, security, and sustainable development. They expressed deep concern over ongoing armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, and the erosion of international law, and underscored the primacy of political solutions through preventive diplomacy, mediation, and dialogue.

The Conference reviewed joint efforts across peace and security, development, and human rights, welcoming progress in implementing the three AU–UN Frameworks. Both organizations reiterated their shared commitment to support African-led peace processes, including in Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Libya, the Great Lakes Region, the Sahel, and the Horn of Africa.

The meeting emphasized the importance of predictable and sustainable financing for African Union-led peace support operations under UN Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023) and called for accelerated implementation of the AU–UN Roadmap. It further highlighted collaboration on the digital transformation agenda, climate action, and inclusive development, notably through the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa, the G20 AI for Africa Initiative, and the outcomes of the Second Africa Climate Summit.

The Chairperson and the Secretary-General also underscored the centrality of women and youth in advancing peace, security, and sustainable growth, welcoming the AU’s Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls as a landmark achievement.

The African Union and the United Nations agreed to convene the Tenth Annual Conference in 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to continue deepening their strategic cooperation for the benefit of the African continent and the world.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh I Spokesperson of the Chairperson I African Union Commission I Email: SheekhN@AfricanUnion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia