On 19 February, the Special Representative of the Secretary General to the African Union and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union met with the Ambassador of Australia to Ethiopia and Representative to the African Union, Dr Peter Hunter.
Discussions focused on climate change and the links between climate, peace and security, as well as opportunities to strengthen cooperation ahead of the Thirty First Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in Antalya, Türkiye. Australia will serve as President of the negotiations.
Both sides underscored that climate change acts as a risk multiplier for peace and security, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Africa and the Pacific. The exchange highlighted the importance of a strong and coordinated African voice in global climate negotiations, as well as the need to strengthen climate adaptation and climate finance for countries facing significant environmental challenges.
Renewable energy was also identified as a key area for future cooperation. The Ambassador noted Australia’s interest in advancing clean energy initiatives as part of its COP31 agenda and highlighted the links between renewable energy development, economic growth, climate mitigation and stability.
Both sides agreed to explore practical avenues for collaboration on climate, peace and security and renewable energy, including potential joint discussions with African Union and United Nations partners in the lead up to COP31 and COP32.
