The African Union joins the global community in commemorating World Humanitarian Day, a day dedicated to honouring humanitarian efforts worldwide. On this occasion, we reaffirm our uncompromising commitment to solidarity and collective action in assisting vulnerable communities, irrespective of their location, identity, or circumstances.

Under the theme, "We Stand Shoulder to Shoulder with the Communities We Serve, No Matter Who, No Matter Where, and No Matter What," the African Union emphasizes the importance of unity in humanitarian responses. Through this statement, the AU acknowledge the tireless efforts and sacrifices of humanitarian workers, volunteers, and organizations, who uphold the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence.

In Africa, we witness the resilience and strength of our diverse populations facing numerous challenges, such as armed conflict, climate change, disasters, forced displacement, and food insecurity.  These challenges demand urgent, coordinated, and sustainable humanitarian action. The African Union recognizes that every crisis affects individuals and communities uniquely and remains convinced that humanitarian response should be context-specific, responding to their specific needs.

This day is an opportunity for the African Union to call on African Leaders to recognize and highlight the disastrous consequences of weak governance, political instability, and conflict on the lives of the most vulnerable people on our continent and to ensure that their voices and needs are prioritized in line with our development agenda.

As we stand shoulder to shoulder with the communities we serve, we underscore the essential role of our African Union member states, regional organizations, civil society, and the private sector in collectively addressing humanitarian crises. As we are moving towards the operationalization of the African Humanitarian Agency, we firmly believe that humanitarian action must be guided by the principles of respect for national sovereignty, unity, and diversity, while ensuring the safety and well-being of affected populations.

Moreover, the African Union acknowledges the importance of strengthening partnerships at the regional, continental, and global levels to enhance humanitarian effectiveness. We emphasize the need for increased collaboration and the importance of burden and responsibility sharing among all stakeholders involved in humanitarian response efforts.

Today, on World Humanitarian Day, let us acknowledge the extraordinary resilience of the African people and pledge to redouble our efforts to protect and uplift the dignity of those who are most vulnerable. We must leave no one behind, no matter who they are, no matter where they are, and no matter what challenges they face. The African Union reaffirms its unwavering commitment to humanitarian action, guided by the principles of solidarity, inclusivity, and respect for human life and dignity. We call upon all African Union member states, regional economic communities, regional partners, and international actors to join us in our collective efforts to create a more just, peaceful, and compassionate world for all.