UNOAU attends the 7th Africa Climate Talks
From 30 April to 1 May, UNOAU attended the Seventh Africa Climate Talks, convened by the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa. The meeting reviewed outcomes from the Second Africa Climate Summit, CCDA-13 and COP30, while identifying priorities for Africa’s post-COP30 climate agenda and preparations for COP32. Discussions focused on strengthening Africa’s negotiating capacity, enhancing coordination and establishing strategic working groups to advance the continent’s priorities in global climate negotiations. Read more.
UNOAU participates in Climate, Peace and Security Week in New York
From 27 April to 1 May, UNOAU participated in Climate, Peace and Security Week in New York, engaging with the African Union, Member States and UN partners to advance African-led responses to climate-related security challenges. UNOAU supported a high-level dialogue on African regional perspectives, briefed the UN Security Council’s Informal Expert Group on Climate and Security, co-moderated a session at the Berlin Climate Security Conference – New York Edition, and co-organized a meeting of Africa-based Climate, Peace and Security Advisors. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation ahead of COP31 and COP32. Read more.
UNOAU participates in AU Consultative and Validation Meeting on Planning and Decision-Making Guidelines and ASF Operational Framework
From 27 April to 2 May, UNOAU participated in an African Union consultative and validation workshop in Gaborone, Botswana, to strengthen planning and decision-making for African Union peace support operations. The workshop reviewed key AU operational frameworks, reinforced AU–UN cooperation, and endorsed standardized planning and mission management templates to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of peace support operations. Read more.
Africa Forward Summit
At the Africa Forward Summit, the UN Secretary-General highlighted Africa’s leadership in advancing reforms to the global financial architecture, climate action and sustainable development. He called for a renewed partnership based on equality, mutual respect and African priorities, emphasizing the need for fairer access to finance, climate justice, investment in renewable energy, and stronger support for African-led development. He underscored that Africa’s future is central to global prosperity and urged greater international solidarity and partnership. Read the SG's full opening remarks here.
Tenth African Union–United Nations Annual Conference
On 13 May 2026, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, convened the Tenth African Union–United Nations Annual Conference at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa. In his opening remarks, delivered at what he said would likely be his final UN–AU Annual Conference as Secretary-General, António Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s unwavering commitment to Africa and described the UN–AU partnership as the Organization’s most important strategic partnership. The Joint Communiqué is available here.
United Nations and African Union Convene Fourth High-Level Joint Retreat on Peace and Security in Africa in Libreville, Gabon
On 20 May 2026, the African Union Commission and the United Nations Office to the African Union convened the Fourth High-Level Joint Retreat of AU and UN Special Representatives and Envoys in Libreville, Gabon. Held following the signing of the Declaration Reaffirming the Principles of the Three Joint Frameworks, the Retreat focused on strengthening AU–UN cooperation across conflict prevention, mediation, peace support operations and peacebuilding. Participants reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the two organizations and emphasized the importance of translating shared commitments into coordinated action to address Africa’s evolving peace, security and governance challenges. Read more.
