ADDIS ABABA – At the heart of the 39th African Union Summit, UN chief Antonio Guterres delivered an impassioned call for intensified UN-African Union cooperation, celebrating Africa’s grit while confronting the continent’s intertwined crises.
Guterres told reporters that Africa faces global headwinds with bravery and innovation, steadily chipping away at development barriers via consistent, practical measures. Investments in unity, clean power, and infrastructure signal transformation, though paces differ regionally.
Today’s geopolitical chaos surpasses post-Cold War instability, Guterres observed, fueling multifaceted conflicts in Sudan, DR Congo, Sahel, and Horn of Africa. African bodies are striving to halt violence, but they can’t succeed alone—robust global resources are essential, not just lip service.
Economically vibrant yet financially strained, Africa battles debt traps, soaring rates, and financing gaps that undermine social services. Guterres lambasted this as colonial-era injustice persisting in modern institutions, demanding real representation for developing countries in decision-making bodies.
The climate verdict is damning: minimal polluters endure maximum suffering from erratic weather extremes. Guterres branded insufficient green transition support as ‘climate injustice,’ urging a surge in aid to unlock Africa’s renewable potential and lead worldwide.
Framing peace, finance fairness, and climate resilience as pillars, Guterres positioned the UN-AU bond as crucial for Africa’s ascent. The summit’s timing amplifies this message, potentially heralding collaborative triumphs over adversity.