Addis Ababa, February 18, 2023 (FBC) – In his remarks at the opening of the 36th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, Secretary General, Antonio Guterres has reaffirmed UN’s commitment to continue collaboration with the AU.
Secretary General Guterres recognized President Macky Sall for his leadership as chairperson of the AU over the last year, and he vowed to work together with the incoming chairperson, President of Comoros Azali Assoumani.
Antonio Guterres appreciated the efforts of the African leaders for being united under the theme of realizing integrated, peaceful and prosperous continent.
“African Union is taking inspiring step to utilize the enormous potential of this great continent. Africa is poised for progress,” he said.
Agenda 2063 need to promote financial and economic inclusion of women in the development drive, he said, adding that this represents the true pathway for job creation, utilization of youth potential for the prosperity of Africa, he said.
The United Nations is proud to be your partners and to work together with African Union.
He further appreciated AU’s strong focus on job creation, and enormous potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). AfCFTA is instrumental for promoting job creation particularly for the youth and addressing development issues, he added.
In many ways, the people of Africa are bearing the burden of the global crisis, the Secretary General stated, calling for support to the efforts underway to address the need of people of the continent to development.
The global climate change is causing drought and famine in the continent. The continent is leas responsible for this crisis despite being challenged by the problem, he said, stressing need to support the green economy strategy of the continent. He also vowed to support the efforts of the African Union to ensure peace and security.