Addis Ababa: United Nations Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres highlighted the focus areas of partnerships with Africa, including the boost of sustainable development and the push for reforms of international financial architecture to give developing countries more voice and more power. Briefing the media during the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, the Secretary-General stated, “Over these past two days in Addis Ababa, I have met many leaders from across the continent to discuss challenges across the spectrum.”
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Guterres noted that Africa is a continent of possibility and hope but emphasized the need to confront essential truths. He outlined his focus areas on Africa, including boosting sustainable development, investment, and affordable finance, which he deemed crucial with just five years left to the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He added that these concerns drive the push for reforms of the international financial architecture to provide developing countries with more voice, power, representation, and access to necessary resources.
Guterres stressed the importance of securing climate action and justice, highlighting that African people suffer from some of the worst impacts of climate change despite contributing minimally to it. He also emphasized the necessity of ensuring Africa is not left behind in the technology race, particularly in artificial intelligence, where AI must stand for Africa.
Achieving and sustaining peace throughout the African continent is a core task for the UN, Guterres underscored. He emphasized resolving crises in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, noting the ongoing violence and instability. Guterres called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan, especially with the onset of Ramadan, and urged for a peaceful and stable Sudan.
Regarding the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guterres highlighted the risk of a regional war as more cities fall and emphasized the need for diplomacy and dialogue to silence the guns. He affirmed the UN’s commitment to working for peace from the Sahel to Somalia and beyond and strengthening joint efforts with the African Union for security, stability, human rights, and the rule of law.
Guterres concluded that while the challenges in Africa are significant, the opportunities are greater, and the United Nations will support the people of Africa every step of the way.