In Ethiopia, Mr. Guterres said that the partnership with the African Union is essential to UNO

The secretary-general is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where said Saturday that a strong cooperation with the African Union is “essential for the UN to fulfill its mandate”.

António Guterres stated that “for the United Nations, the partnership is more important is the partnership with the African Union”. He and the president of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, signed a new agreement to extend collaboration between the two organizations.

Human Rights

Guterres participates in the 30th Conference of the African Union, which brings together leaders of the region and this year, the theme of the meeting is “Winning the Fight against Corruption: A Sustainable Path for the Transformation of Africa”.

The UN chief said that the organization has three pillars: development, peace and security, and human rights, and the african continent is key to solving global problems.

Conflicts

Guterres, highlighted that Africa has made progress admirable in the field of human rights, mentioning that the countries of the continent “will always open their doors to refugees and migrants”, which can serve as a lesson to other regions of the world.

But he recalled that the global community cannot guarantee the lasting peace in Africa will not be able to resolve their conflicts and make great efforts to prevent conflicts.

António Guterres said that the UN will continue to the side of the African Union, while respecting the leadership in solving the problems of the continent.

Hunger

Also this Saturday, the secretary-general participated in an event high-level on how to end hunger in Africa. According to him, the continent has the highest rates of hunger in the world, being that agricultural production and livestock are endangered due to conflict and climate change.

António Guterres explained that governments need to create the conditions for more private sector investments in businesses that benefit the poor and those who suffer from food insecurity.