SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga participated in a High-Level side event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) and the UN Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace, convened by the Permanent Representatives of Ghana and Switzerland to the AU, respectively Ambassador Amma Adomaa Twum-Amoah and Ambassador Pietro Mona.

The meeting aimed to advance an effective and impactful implementation of the YPS agenda by ensuring the meaningful and full participation of the youth in conflict, post-conflict, and transition settings.

In his remarks, the SRSG underscored the challenges associated with an emerging multi-polar world order, a growing trust deficit, and the need to uphold established multilateral norms and frameworks, while reminding participants of the UN Secretary-General’s agenda on the importance of reforming international financial institutions. He also emphasized the need for collective security and streamlined conflict prevention, from the domestic to the global level.

The AU focal Point on YPS, Ms. Gloria Kabage, updated the audience on progress in the implementation of the AU YPS agenda, noting the progressive inclusion of women and youth in AU conflict prevention and mediation efforts. The Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the UN, Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl, emphasized the importance of restoring trust in international institutions, especially among the youth, while commending the AU on its work promoting the role of women and youth in international peace and security.

The Ambassador further commended UNOAU’s focus on established multilateral norms and frameworks and the need to reform international financial institutions, to promote greater equality and sustainable development in Africa.