UN Lauds Partnership With AU

Mr Antonio Guterres, United Nations (UN) Secretary General has lauded the solid partnership between the African Union (AU) and the UN, stressing, “It was grounded on sound principles of human rights and good governance”.

“The UN and the AU were working together successfully across the continent. “With Africa firmly in the lead, we can and will do more,” Mr Guterres stated at the 30th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, currently on-going at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

“I stand here on behalf of the UN system and re-affirm our strong commitment to the Member States and the people of Africa. I strongly believe Africa is one of the greatest forces for good in our world,” said Mr. Guterres said in a paper made available to the Ghana News Agency in Accra through the Communications Section of the Economic Commission for Africa.

The UN Secretary General outlined five areas for strengthened partnership between the two organizations; Peace and Security; Inclusive, sustainable development; Climate Change; Migration; and Fighting Corruption.

Mr Guterres commended African governments for leading the way in contributing troops and police to help save lives and keep the peace around the world.

“We will never forget the service and sacrifice of all those who have given their lives for peace,” he said, adding; “Our first shared obligation is to confront the root causes of conflict by strengthening prevention through diplomacy and mediation.

“We also have an obligation to do much more to end conflicts and forge peace,” said Mr Guterres, adding the UN-AU partnership on peace and security was fundamental to building a safer world for all.

“It is rooted in solutions that are Africa-owned, Africa-driven and Africa-led,” he said.

On UN peacekeeping, Mr. Guterres added that was, however, not the solution to all crises… “We need different missions for different contexts, including peace enforcement and counter-terrorist operations. Partnership with the African Union and sub-regional organisations offers us the means to achieve this”.

Mr. Guterres also said there was the need for strengthened partnership to ensure inclusive, sustainable development in Africa through Agendas 2030 and Agenda 2063, which he said  were mutually reinforcing.

Women and young people, he said, must lead the development agenda.

“Women’s full participation makes economies stronger and peace processes more successful,” said Mr. Guterres, adding ending violence against women and girls and child marriage, and increasing women’s participation in decision-making, were prerequisites for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063.

He lauded the AU Commission for making 2018 the African Anti-Corruption Year. “I commend your decision to highlight this scourge, and offer you our strong support”.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda would take over the Chairmanship of the AU from President Alpha Conde of Guinea.

Source: GNA