Published on: 2026-05-13
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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On Wednesday, António Guterres participated for the last time as Secretary-General in a UN and African Union conference held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He recalled the long-standing efforts to strengthen ties with the African Union and emphasized that this cooperation has become a “unique strategic partnership” that is already yielding results in the areas of security and human rights.
“The ties between our organizations are stronger than ever — and will continue to be so,” said the Secretary General at a press conference in the capital of Ethiopia.
The UN Secretary-General placed particular emphasis on the necessity of reforming global institutions. Guterres noted: the fact that African countries are still not represented among the permanent members of the UN Security Council is a “historical injustice.” According to him, this is not an issue of “symbolism,” but of the Council’s ability to effectively perform its work.
The Secretary-General also touched on the global financial architecture and credit system. He expressed indignation at the fact that for developing countries, “funding for education, healthcare, or water supply is three times more expensive” than for developed ones.
Speaking about the climate agenda, Guterres noted a paradox: despite having a colossal potential of “green” energy, the continent receives only 2 percent of global investments in this sphere. He stated that Africa should not just be a supplier of raw materials, but a production “workshop.”
The Secretary-General emphasized that it was time to change the very model of interaction with the continent.
“This is a critical opportunity for African countries not just as suppliers of raw materials, but as centers of local production and processing,” he said.
Guterres also touched on the issue of fighting terrorism in Sahel and the conflict in Sudan. He called for an immediate ceasefire and a transition to civilian rule.
At the conclusion, Guterres reminded of the “Pact in the Name of the Future,” which should cement Africa’s role as a key player in the development of technology and AI. He expressed hope that the upcoming UN Climate Conference in Ethiopia will help accelerate the allocation of funds for the region’s adaptation to global warming.
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