\n
In a world marked by division and mistrust, he said, the African Union (AU) stands as a \u201cflagship for multilateralism,\u201d as he addressed the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.<\/p>\n
Mr. Guterres praised Africa\u2019s global leadership in \u201cthe struggle for justice and equality,\u201d noting that the UN-AU partnership is stronger than ever, built on \u201crespect, constant dialogue and unwavering solidarity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cooperation has reached \u201cnew heights\u201d over the past decade, he added, pointing to joint frameworks on peace and security, sustainable development and human rights.<\/p>\n
Peace in Africa<\/h2>\n
The Secretary-General outlined three priorities for deeper cooperation: peace, economic action and climate justice.<\/p>\n
On peace, he called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan, renewed dialogue in South Sudan, and respect for the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Across the Sahel, Libya and the Horn of Africa, he stressed the need for African-led political solutions backed by sustained international support.<\/p>\n
Economic action<\/h2>\n
Mr. Guterres further warned that developing countries face a $4 trillion annual Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) financing gap, while Africa loses more to debt servicing and illicit financial flows than it receives in aid.<\/p>\n
At a press conference following the summit, he said it is \u201csimply unconscionable\u201d that Africa must contend with \u201can economic and financial system that remains totally unjust.\u201d<\/p>\n
He called for tripling the lending capacity of multilateral development banks and ensuring developing countries have \u201ca real voice and a meaningful participation\u201d in international financial institutions.<\/p>\n
No more plundering<\/h2>\n
He also stressed that African countries must benefit directly from their natural wealth: \u201cNo more exploitation. No more plundering. The people of Africa must benefit from the resources of Africa.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\nHe urged that African countries benefit \u201cfirst and fully from their critical minerals through fair, sustainable value chains and manufacturing,\u201d in line with UN recommendations.<\/p>\n
Climate justice<\/h2>\n
On climate, Mr. Guterres warned that \u201cthe science is unequivocal \u2013 the planet will overshoot the 1.5 degree Celsius limit.\u201d The 1.5\u00b0C threshold, enshrined in the Paris Agreement, is considered critical to avoiding the most catastrophic and irreversible climate impacts.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfrica did not cause the climate crisis,\u201d he said, yet it faces faster-than-average warming, droughts, floods and deadly heat \u2013 \u201cclimate injustice \u2013 plain and simple.\u201d<\/p>\n
He called on developed countries to triple adaptation finance, mobilize $1.3 trillion annually for developing countries by 2035, and scale up the Loss and Damage Fund.<\/p>\n
Reforms now<\/h2>\n
Mr. Guterres also underscored the urgent need for reforming global institutions.<\/p>\n
The absence of permanent African seats on the Council is \u201cindefensible; this is 2026 \u2013 not 1946<\/strong>,\u201d he said, adding: \u201cWhenever decisions about Africa and the world are on the table, Africa must be at the table.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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