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In a speech delivered during the inauguration of the renovated Africa Hall in Addis Ababa,\u00a0Secretary-General Ant\u00f3nio Guterres celebrated the building\u2019s historic and symbolic importance for Africa\u2019s unity and progress.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis hall is where Africa came together to give life to the Organization of African Unity, now\u00a0<\/strong>the African Union<\/strong>,\u201d he stated, acknowledging the transformation of the continent from its early days of independence to the present. \u201cI also see it as an invitation for everyone to cooperate in pursuit of a better future<\/strong>, for Africa and for the world,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n Mr. Guterres highlighted Africa\u2019s hope and promise but stressed the challenges the continent still faces, such as climate change, conflict, and poverty, heightened by historical challenges and inequalities.<\/p>\n Moreover, he called for the reform of global institutions that remain outdated, especially highlighting\u00a0the absence of a permanent African seat on the UN Security Council. \u201cLet\u2019s hope it will be corrected soon,\u201d he shared in his statement, especially as there is now a consensus between all Member States that installing \u201ctwo African members as permanent members of the Security Council\u201d is essential\u00a0<\/strong>for reform.<\/p>\nPermanent seats<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Recent advancements<\/strong><\/h2>\n