AU, UN discuss cooperation, joint action on peace, security and development

UNITED NATIONS - The African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) discussed the implementation of the cooperation frameworks between the two organizations as well as the joint action and challenges linked to peace, security, development and human rights at their ninth annual conference at the UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday.

The high-level discussions, co-chaired by Chairperson of the AU Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, also included topics such as financing for development, climate action, as well as the implementation of the African strategy for women, peace and security agenda.

"Cooperation between our organizations has never been stronger or more necessary," with the world in turmoil, rocked by deadly conflicts, widening inequalities, climate chaos and runaway technologies, Guterres told a joint press conference after the meeting.

"The impacts are felt deeply on the African continent," he said, listing three areas "where decisive action is needed" -- making Africa a priority, financing for development and innovation, and investing in peace.

Calling for reforming the international financial architecture so it reflects the world of today and better serves the needs of developing countries, particularly in Africa, Guterres said it must become "more inclusive, representative, equitable and effective."

The UN chief underscored that sustainable development and peace are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. "In this respect, I wish to reaffirm my full support for the AU's Silencing the Guns initiative," he said, noting that today Africa is home to too many conflicts and too much suffering, including in Sudan, the Sahel, Mali, South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In his remarks, Youssouf said the AU-UN annual conference is a strategic platform for a periodic consultation and coordination between the two organizations.

The AU and the UN have aligned their development agendas, Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030, and the two organizations are also working closely on flagship programs of peace, he said.

Youssouf noted that the AU and the UN have deployed together tremendous efforts for the adoption of the Pact of the Future last year and now the two organizations are very much involved in advancing the cause of climate justice and energy transition.

The AU is also committed to working with all parties and stakeholders of the UN to achieve a transparent, equitable and just reform of the Security Council, Youssouf said.

He also stated that although the two organizations are faced with financial strains, it is critical to continue to support peace operations, the fight against terrorism, as well as conflict prevention and resolution.

The first AU-UN annual conference was held in New York in April 2017, during which the two organizations signed a joint framework for an enhanced partnership in peace and security.