Leaders from the African Union, European Union, and United Nations gathered at UN Headquarters in New York this week to boost global cooperation on pressing world issues. The meeting happened on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly session and drew key figures like African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Senior officials from all three organizations joined in too.
In a joint statement, the groups doubled down on multilateralism—the teamwork approach through international bodies—as the best way to tackle today’s big challenges, from conflicts to climate threats. They slammed the growing disregard for international law, humanitarian rules, and human rights, and urged everyone to stick to the UN Charter.
The discussion zeroed in on peace efforts across Africa. Leaders pushed hard to end the ongoing war in Sudan and ramp up the battle against terrorist groups in the Sahel region. They highlighted the need for reconciliation and development there, while backing the UN’s roadmap to restart political talks in Libya.
Support also flowed for peace initiatives in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the African Union’s stabilization mission in Somalia. The group shared ideas on updating UN peace operations to handle new threats more effectively, not just in Africa but worldwide.
On funding, they called for quick action on UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which aims to provide steady support for African Union-led peace missions on a case-by-case basis. Overall, the leaders pledged to build lasting peace in Africa and speed up sustainable development goals.
They spotlighted the Sevilla Commitment, a push to unlock more financing for development, spark investments, and ease debt burdens for poorer nations. In particular, they want progress under South Africa’s G20 presidency on tackling crushing debt levels and reforming Multilateral Development Banks.
Climate change loomed large too. The organizations voiced worries about worsening weather disasters hitting vulnerable communities hardest, especially in developing countries. They urged bold pledges at the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Brazil, set for November 10 to 21.
Looking ahead, the African Union, European Union, and United Nations plan to meet again in 2026 during the 81st UN General Assembly session.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
