New York: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf; President of the European Council, António Costa; President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen; and Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, convened at the United Nations Headquarters on 21 September 2025. The meeting took place alongside the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, with senior officials from the respective organizations in attendance.
According to European Union, the leaders stressed the significance of multilateralism in tackling global challenges. They jointly condemned the increasing disregard for international humanitarian and human rights laws. Discussions centered around peace initiatives in Africa, especially the urgent need to cease the war in Sudan through enhanced collective support and inclusive political dialogue aimed at an immediate cessation of hostilities and sustainable conflict resolution. The meeting also covered strategies to combat terrorist groups and promote reconciliation and development in the Sahel region.
The organizations reiterated support for the United Nations roadmap for Libya's political process and committed to addressing migration in accordance with international humanitarian standards, utilizing the Tripartite Task Force on Migrants and Refugees in Libya. They also backed ongoing peace initiatives in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, in alignment with previous African Union and United Nations resolutions.
Furthermore, the trio pledged support for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, emphasizing the need for increased donor contributions to fulfill the mission's mandate. Discussions included reviews of peace operations aimed at tackling emerging challenges in Africa and beyond. They endorsed the progress on Security Council resolution 2719 (2023) regarding the predictable financing of AU-led peace support operations.
In conclusion, the organizations reaffirmed their dedication to fostering lasting peace and sustainable development in Africa, consistent with the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They acknowledged the strengthening partnership between Africa and Europe, aligning with their Joint Vision for 2030, and highlighted the upcoming African Union-European Union Summit in November 2025 in Luanda, Angola.
