Guterres calls for prioritizing Africa and urges the world not to abandon it.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for prioritizing Africa and urged the world not to abandon the continent, which is home to nearly one-fifth of humanity and possesses enormous potential. This came during the ninth United Nations-African Union Conference.

According to the UN Information Centre, Guterres emphasized that cooperation between the UN and the African Union is stronger and more necessary than ever. He stated, "Our world is in turmoil, shaken by deadly conflicts, widening inequalities, climate chaos, and unchecked technologies."

The Secretary-General noted that the two organizations are working closely on key peace programs, including the African Union's efforts to silence the guns by 2030, and are now deeply engaged in promoting climate justice and the energy transition.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, highlighted the commitment to working with all parties and stakeholders at the UN on Security Council reform. He said, "These reforms are indeed of paramount importance and will ultimately strengthen the multilateral system." Both organizations are also facing financial pressures and "need to adapt their procedures and programs to the new reality." They must also continue to support peace operations, counter-terrorism efforts, conflict prevention and resolution, and focus most of their efforts on humanitarian affairs.