Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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February 14, 2026 UN
In a world where divisions and mistrust are growing, the African Union remains the "flagship of multilateralism," UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in his address on Saturday at the African Union's summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
He thanked the continent's countries for their support of UN initiatives and assured that partnership with Africa remains his priority.
According to the UN chief, since the beginning of his mandate, cooperation between the UN and the African Union has been built on respect, ongoing dialogue, and mutual support. During this time, joint mechanisms have been established in the areas of peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights, and collaboration has expanded during the pandemic. COVID-19, new partnerships have emerged.
The Secretary-General recalled the adoption of Security Council resolution 2719, which paved the way for predictable funding for African Union-led peace support operations.
Global governance reform
The Secretary-General also addressed the issue of UN Security Council reform.
"The lack of permanent African seats on the Security Council is indefensible. This is 2026, not 1946," he emphasized. "When decisions are made about Africa and the world, Africa must be at the table."
Conflicts on the continent
The UN chief called for increased efforts to resolve crises.
In Sudan, he said, the parties must cease hostilities immediately and return to negotiations on a comprehensive and inclusive political process. In South Sudan, the African Union initiative offers opportunities for resuming dialogue.
Speaking about the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Secretary-General emphasized the need to uphold commitments, including an immediate ceasefire and respect for the country's territorial integrity. He also mentioned the importance of consolidating the results achieved in the Central African Republic, advancing the political process in Libya, and strengthening coordination in the Sahel and West African countries. The UN chief also reiterated his disappointment with the lack of agreement in the Security Council on a funding mechanism for the African Union mission in Somalia.
Finance and Development
Developing countries face a huge funding gap Sustainable Development Goals – around $4 trillion per year, Guterres recalled. Meanwhile, many African countries pay significantly higher loan repayments and lose significant funds due to illicit financial flows.
He called for expanding the capacity of multilateral development banks, reducing borrowing costs, and reforming the international financial architecture so that African states can fully participate in decision-making.
Climate justice
Africa, according to Guterres, has enormous potential in renewable energy, but receives only a small share of global investment.
"Enough exploitation. Enough plunder. The people of Africa must benefit from Africa's resources," he declared, advocating for fair production chains and job creation on the continent.
Priority – Africa
In conclusion, the Secretary-General emphasized that talk about the “farewell” nature of his participation in the summit is not true.
“I can guarantee that until the last moment of my mandate, Africa will be the number one priority for the UN,” he said, adding that the continent will remain at the forefront of his attention even after his mandate ends at the end of 2026.
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