On August 3, 2023, The Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union and Head of UNOAU, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, took part in the webinar on African Perspectives on the New Agenda for Peace, organized by the African Union Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security and the African Union Network of Think Tanks for Peace (NeTT4Peace). The webinar was held following the publication of "Our Common Agenda Policy Brief 9: A New Agenda for Peace" by the United Nations Secretary-General and aimed to provide an African perspective to the New Agenda for Peace bearing in mind the key priorities of the African Union Commission.

In his opening remarks, the SRSG resituated the global socio-political and security context motivating the need for such a policy document at this particular moment in our common history. Highlighting the global context increasingly defined by global competition for power, a marginalized global South, and a peace and security architecture that is challenged and often judged insufficient and, at times, inadequate.

SRSG Onanga-Anyanga also dwelt on the New Agenda for Peace’s emphasis on strengthening diplomacy for peace, an essential element in light of the worrying trend towards intensifying rivalry between world powers. He also stressed the importance of African ownership and action in addressing these issues in a timely and comprehensive manner, while recognizing the ongoing challenge posed by a conservative interpretation of sovereignty. In conclusion, SRSG Onanga-Anyanga urged African institutions, academia, governmental and non-governmental  institutions to engage with the New peace agenda, and to use the preparatory process towards the Summit of the Future to push for African priorities to be appropriately reflected in the multilateral system and the international order that is taking shape as we speak.

Click on the YouTube link below to listen to the SRSG to the AU and Head of UNOAU, Parfait Onanga-Ayanga's full remarks.