From 26 to 28 March, the United Nations Office to the African Union participated in a workshop of the African Union Peace and Security Council Committee of Experts, held in Manzini, Eswatini, as part of the induction programme for the newly elected AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC).
The meeting focused on preparations for the induction of incoming AU Peace and Security Council Ambassadors, proposals to strengthen the operationalization of AUPSC subcommittees, development of an indicative annual programme of work for the Committee of Experts, and briefings on climate, peace and security.
Discussions examined challenges affecting the effectiveness of key PSC subcommittees, including capacity, staffing and financial constraints. Participants considered ways to strengthen ownership and implementation of the continental peace and security agenda, including areas where United Nations expertise and support could add value.
The workshop also included a dedicated session on climate, peace and security, with briefings from specialists from UNOAU and relevant African Union departments. Discussions addressed Africa’s framing of the climate, peace and security agenda, progress on the Common African Position on Climate, Peace and Security, and the importance of climate finance, African data ownership and prevention focused approaches in fragile contexts.
Participants welcomed UNOAU’s engagement and called for continued collaboration with the Peace and Security Council.
