The African Union Commission (AUC) and UN Headquarters, in collaboration with the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU), held the Fifteenth UN–AU–Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) Desk‑to‑Desk Consultative Meeting on the Prevention, Management and Resolution of Conflicts from 14–15 April 2026. The meeting was held virtually and brought together desk officers and technical experts from the UN system, the AU, and African regional organizations.
The Desk‑to‑Desk Consultative Meeting serves as a key mechanism under the Joint UN–AU Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, fostering working‑level coordination on governance, peace and security challenges across the continent. Discussions focused on the evolving conflict landscape in Africa, institutional responses, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration at both headquarters and field levels, in line with Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Participants reviewed joint initiatives, assessed the effectiveness of existing coordination frameworks, and identified priority areas requiring enhanced support. Particular attention was given to the Technical Working Groups on elections, peace support operations and ad hoc security arrangements, and preventing violent extremism and counterterrorism. The meeting also emphasized shared conflict analysis, improved information‑sharing, and joint operational approaches to support early warning, prevention, and response efforts.
The two‑day engagement concluded with agreement on concrete recommendations and follow‑up actions aimed at strengthening system‑wide cooperation among the UN, AU, and RECs/RMs. The outcomes of the meeting will inform continued collaboration and practical engagement to advance sustainable peace and security across Africa.
