Africa: Guterres Tells AU Summit - 'This Is 2026 - Not 1946' in Push for Reform
AllAfrica
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a powerful call for sweeping reforms of global institutions during his address at the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa. Highlighting the outdated nature of the current international system, he emphasized that "This is 2026—not 1946," particularly calling out the absence of permanent African seats on the UN Security Council as indefensible. Guterres praised Africa's leadership in promoting justice and equality and stressed the importance of reform to ensure the continent's voice is fully represented in global decision-making processes.
Guterres outlined three key priorities for deeper cooperation between the AU and the UN: peace, economic action, and climate justice. On peace, he urged African-led solutions to conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while also calling for sustained international support across regions like the Sahel, Libya, and the Horn of Africa. He warned that developing countries face a $4 trillion annual funding gap for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with Africa losing more through debt servicing and illicit financial flows than it receives in aid. Guterres stressed the need to triple the lending capacity of multilateral development banks and ensure developing nations have a meaningful voice in international financial institutions.
The secretary-general also addressed climate justice, noting that while Africa is not responsible for the climate crisis, it faces disproportionate impacts such as faster warming and extreme weather events. He called on developed countries to triple adaptation finance and scale up support through initiatives like the Loss and Damage Fund. Additionally, he urged African nations to benefit directly from their natural resources, advocating for fair and sustainable value chains in industries like critical minerals.
Guterres' speech underscored the urgent need for reforms in global institutions to address historical inequities and ensure a more equitable future. By emphasizing Africa's role as a leader in multilateralism and justice, he highlighted the continent's importance in shaping international policies that promote peace, economic equity, and climate action. Guterres' remarks not only reflect the challenges facing Africa but also point to the broader implications for global stability and sustainability. His call for immediate reforms resonates with growing demands for a more inclusive international order, making this speech a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about global governance.
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Originally published on AllAfrica on 2/14/2026