The United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU) have signed a new joint declaration. This is to reaffirm the UN and AU partnership to advance peace, security, human rights, and sustainable development across the continent.
UN and AU partnership to deepen cooperation on conflict prevention
The two organisations signed the agreement during the 9th AU-UN Annual Conference, a high-level platform established in 2017. This is to deepen strategic dialogue between the Chairperson of the AU Commission and the UN Secretary-General.
This partnership remains one of the most strategic multilateral collaborations. They continue to address complex global and regional challenges, from conflict prevention to climate resilience.
The new declaration builds on the Joint AU-UN Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, first signed in 2017. That framework committed both parties to closer cooperation in conflict mediation.
“It is also committed to counter-terrorism, humanitarian response, and strengthening the role of women and youth in peace processes.”
9th Annual Conference builds on 2017 framework
Since the inaugural conference in New York on 19 April 2017, the partnership has progressively evolved. The 9th conference, held this year, focused on advancing multilateral cooperation for sustainable peace.
Officials noted strong synergies between the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“Development, peace, security, and governance are interconnected pillars for Africa’s transformation
— Joint AU-UN Declaration
Previous annual conferences have yielded concrete results, including coordinated COVID-19 responses and enhanced humanitarian coordination. It also yielded joint action on climate change and migration governance.
The UN and AU have also committed to strengthening financing mechanisms for peace operations. It further scales up support for countries in conflict.
Meanwhile, in January this year, a new United Nations (UN) report revealed that pervasive poverty is rendering millions of Nigerians vulnerable to conflict, hunger, and disease. The report warns that a lack of access to basic services leaves the population defenseless against shocks.