From 13 to 17 June, UNOAU participated in a workshop on the African Union (AU)-United Nations (UN) Knowledge and Expertise Exchange Programme (KEEP) at UN Headquarters in New York. The main objective of KEEP is to deepen synergies and strengthen interoperability as envisioned in the Joint AU-UN Framework for enhanced partnership in peace and security. KEEP is expected to enhance mutual understanding and capacities on operational support matters between AU and UN through institutional and personnel development. The workshop was organized by the Department of Operational Support (DOS) and was attended by personnel from the AU, UNOAU and DOS.

The aim of the workshop was to operationalize the remaining elements of the KEEP initiative and finalize a joint learning path beyond the efforts planned for 2021-2022. The workshop enabled experts and practitioners to exchange information and best practices and develop integrated approaches to facilitate interoperability on mission support matters. Consequently, a road map was developed on joint training and capacity development needs between the two organisations. The road map includes activities such as the resumption of the staff exchange programme, review of the current Memorandum of Understanding, establishment of Communities of Practice and Capacity Development Networks. In their closing remarks, Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare and AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Bankole Adeoye, reiterated the importance of KEEP in building capacity and strengthening the partnership between the two organizations and called for deeper collaboration.