Secretary-General’s Activities in Ethiopia from 12 to 15 February
On February 12, the Secretary-General arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the thirty-ninth ordinary session of the African Union Summit. His agenda included meetings with various African leaders and discussions on key issues such as sustainable development and climate action. The Secretary-General emphasized the importance of partnerships based on mutual respect and trust, while also advocating for reforms in the United Nations Security Council to better represent Africa’s interests.
Meetings with African Leaders
On February 13, the Secretary-General began his day with a meeting with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Throughout the day, he engaged in bilateral discussions with several prominent African leaders. Among them were João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, the outgoing Chairperson of the African Union and President of Angola, and Evariste Ndayishimiye, the incoming Chairperson and President of Burundi. The Secretary-General also met with John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana; Ismaël Omar Guelleh, President of Djibouti; and Kashim Shettima, Vice-President of Nigeria. These meetings aimed to strengthen ties and address pressing regional issues.
Later that day, the Secretary-General participated in interviews with various media outlets, including SABC, Al Jazeera, and RFI’s French and Portuguese services. His engagements highlighted the significance of the summit and the collaborative efforts between the United Nations and the African Union.
Italy-Africa Summit and Key Remarks
In the evening of February 13, the Secretary-General attended the second Italy-Africa summit. During his remarks, he underscored the necessity for cooperation grounded in mutual respect and trust. He emphasized that partnerships should focus on achieving the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Following the summit, he was invited to a dinner hosted by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, further solidifying diplomatic relations.
The following morning, on February 14, the Secretary-General addressed the opening of the African Union Summit. He praised the strengthening partnership between the UN and the African Union over the past decade. He identified three primary areas of focus for future collaboration: peace, economic action, and climate action. Additionally, he reiterated the need for reforms in the Security Council, arguing that Africa’s lack of a permanent seat is unjustifiable.
Climate Action and Economic Development
During a press conference later that day, the Secretary-General highlighted the significant challenges Africa faces and commended the continent’s resilience and creativity in overcoming them. He called on developed nations to increase their financial support for climate adaptation, urging them to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 and enhance contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund.
Mr. Guterres expressed optimism about Africa’s potential to become a leader in renewable energy. He pointed out that Africa’s rich minerals and resources could foster new industries and job creation, advocating for the end of resource exploitation that benefits foreign entities at the expense of local economies. His remarks underscored the importance of supporting Africa in building sustainable economic frameworks.
Continued Engagement and Departure
Throughout February 14, the Secretary-General continued his series of bilateral meetings with various leaders attending the summit. He met with Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia; Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; José Maria Pereira Neves, President of Cabo Verde; Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa, President of South Africa; Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister of Senegal; and Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister of the State of Palestine. These discussions were pivotal in addressing regional cooperation and development.
On the morning of February 15, the Secretary-General concluded his visit and departed Addis Ababa, leaving behind a strengthened dialogue on critical issues facing the African continent. His engagements during the summit reflect a commitment to fostering partnerships that prioritize sustainable development and address the unique challenges faced by African nations.
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