NEW YORK — African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has arrived in New York with a senior AU delegation to attend the high-level week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Youssouf was accompanied by AU Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi and a delegation comprising AU commissioners and heads of the bloc’s institutions, according to the African Union.
The UN General Assembly’s 81st session is being held under the theme “Restoring trust, managing change: the United Nations at the service of all.”
During the high-level week, the AU commission chairperson is expected to use the platform to highlight Africa’s priorities and call for a greater role for the continent in shaping global decisions.
A central message from the AU will be the need for stronger African representation in international decision-making structures, including meaningful representation on the UN Security Council and greater influence within international financial institutions.
The African Union has long called for reforms to global governance institutions, arguing that their current structures do not adequately reflect the political and economic realities of the modern world.
Youssouf is also expected to highlight what the AU describes as Africa’s growing responsibility for shaping its own future, with a focus on African leadership and ownership in peace and security, continental integration and economic transformation.
The bloc is seeking to advance institutional reforms and strengthen economic autonomy across the continent while deepening regional cooperation.
A third priority will be Africa’s role in addressing global challenges, with the AU positioning the continent not simply as a beneficiary of international cooperation but as a strategic actor and partner in developing global solutions.
Those issues include peace and security, climate change, global health, trade, technology and sustainable development.
During his stay in New York, Youssouf is expected to hold a series of high-level meetings, including discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as well as meetings with heads of state and government and representatives of the business community.
The AU delegation will also participate in a series of side events organised during the high-level week, focusing on advancing the continent’s strategic priorities and strengthening partnerships.
The meetings come as African governments continue to press for reforms to the international system, including changes to global institutions governing security, finance and development.
The African Union has increasingly sought to strengthen its collective voice at the United Nations and in other international forums, while advocating greater African participation in decisions affecting the continent and the wider global order.
The UN General Assembly high-level week brings together world leaders and senior officials for discussions on major international issues, with Africa’s security, development and economic priorities expected to feature prominently in the meetings and side events.
