AUPSC Open Session on education in conflict situations
On 3 August, UNOAU attended the 1357th Open Session of the AU Peace and Security Council on Children Affected by Armed Conflict in Africa, under the theme “Education in Conflict Situations.” Discussions focused on strengthening measures to protect education, sustain learning and support recovery for children affected by armed conflict. Participants also highlighted stronger coordination and periodic reporting to the AUPSC and sustained engagement with Member States by the AU Special Envoy on Children Affected by Armed Conflict to advance the protection and continuity of education in conflict-affected settings. Read more.
UNOAU attends joint AU–UNODA regional workshop on strengthening resolution 1540 implementation in Africa
On 4 and 5 August, UNOAU attended a joint AU–UNODA regional workshop on strengthening implementation of Security Council resolution 1540 (2004) in Africa through biosecurity governance and strategic trade management. Participants discussed measures to prevent non-State actors from acquiring nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and to prevent the misuse or diversion of biological materials and expertise. The workshop emphasized sustainable institution-building, whole-of-government approaches, scientific innovation and stronger collaboration among Member States, AU institutions and international partners. Fellows from the AU Fellowship Programme on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation also participated. Read more.
UNOAU participates in Fifth Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security and Women, Peace and Security
From 10 to 12 August, UNOAU participated in the Fifth Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security and Women, Peace and Security in Bujumbura, Burundi, bringing together more than 1,500 participants from across Africa. UNOAU co-organized a side event with UNDP and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie exploring water security within Africa’s peace and security architecture. Discussions highlighted young people and women as essential actors in climate resilience, conflict prevention, peacebuilding and sustainable natural resource governance, emphasizing the importance of their leadership, innovative solutions and local knowledge in addressing Africa’s evolving peace and security challenges. Read more.
UNOAU supports development of AU policy on mental health and psychosocial support in peace operations
From 17 to 19 August, UNOAU participated in an AU workshop in Accra, Ghana, to validate a draft policy on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Peace Support Operations. The policy seeks to strengthen personnel resilience and wellbeing before, during and after deployment and institutionalize psychosocial support as part of the AU’s duty of care and operational readiness. Read more.
UNOAU supports AU technical meeting on strengthening the African Standby Force
From 20 to 21 August, UNOAU provided technical support to an AU meeting in Accra, Ghana, focused on strengthening the African Standby Force. Participants reviewed the draft Operational Framework for the Continuous Enhancement of the ASF and discussed implementation of the MoU on its utilization. Discussions addressed challenges related to coordination, planning, logistics, financing and interoperability. Read more.
UNOAU supports for the 2nd AU Knowledge Management and Experience-Sharing Workshop on AU Peace Missions
From 24 to 28 August, UNOAU supported the Second AU Knowledge Management, Institutional Capacity-Building and Experience-Sharing Workshop on AU Peace Missions in Abuja, Nigeria. Participants exchanged lessons and good practices on mission performance, accountability, protection of civilians, Women, Peace and Security, mission transitions, resource mobilization and technology. UNOAU delivered technical presentations and facilitated discussions, sharing lessons from UN peace operations. Read more.
UNOAU supports development of training modules for AU Police Senior Management Teams
From 24 to 28 August, UNOAU participated in an AU workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, to develop training modules for Police Senior Management Teams in peace support operations. The workshop produced draft content for all eight modules of the AU Generic Training Package. UNOAU provided technical support to align the package with UN Police standards and international peace operations practices, including on leadership, mandate implementation, protection of civilians, conduct and discipline, and security sector reform. UNOAU also supported refinement of the modules and initiated development of a Facilitator’s Guide to support future delivery of the training package. Read more.
UNOAU supports AU High-Level Solidarity and Advocacy Mission on Women, Peace and Security to Mali
From 26 to 28 August, UNOAU supported an AU High-Level Solidarity and Advocacy Mission on Women, Peace and Security to Bamako, Mali, led by AU Special Envoy Ambassador Liberata Mulamula. The mission promoted women’s meaningful participation, leadership and protection and included consultations with Malian authorities, the UN Country Team and African ambassadors. Read more.
UNOAU and Denmark launch new cooperation on Climate, Peace and Security
On 31 August, UNOAU and the Kingdom of Denmark launched new cooperation to strengthen African Union–United Nations efforts to address the peace and security implications of climate change. The partnership was formally commemorated by SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga and Danish Ambassador Sune Krogstrup during a signing ceremony at UNOAU. Through December 2028, Denmark will support UNOAU’s Climate, Peace and Security work, contributing to policy development, stronger coordination and institutional coherence, translating analysis into action, and enhancing African engagement in continental and global policy processes. Read more.
