United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, speaking from the African Union headquarters during the 39th Summit in Addis Ababa, committed to an unyielding UN-AU partnership as Africa boldly confronts profound trials with ingenuity and determination.
In media interactions, Guterres commended the continent’s persistent drive to resolve development woes through tangible efforts, not illusions. Progress in integration, renewable energy, and infrastructure is evident, albeit patchy and gradual.
He depicted a perilously divided global order, more volatile than post-Cold War times, exacerbating entrenched conflicts across Sudan, Congo, Sahel, and Horn regions—entanglements demanding layered solutions.
African peace efforts merit praise, Guterres said, but falter without amplified international aid in resources and pressure relief. Economically, rapid growth clashes with fiscal squeezes from debts and credit shortages, blocking advances in jobs, schools, and healthcare.
Guterres forcefully criticized the biased global financial framework, a remnant of colonialism denying voice to those it burdens most. On climate, Africa’s low-emission profile belies its vulnerability to disasters; promised support for adaptation and clean tech remains elusive, denying its green leadership promise.
With focus on security, equitable finance, and environmental justice, this reinforced alliance holds transformative power. Guterres’ summit pledge underscores multilateral hope amid uncertainty.