37th African Union Summit wraps up with renewed commitment, vision for continent’s future

The 37th African Union (AU) Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Governments wrapped up Monday morning, marking a milestone in the continent’s collective effort to address challenges, prioritize key sectors, and strengthen international cooperation.

Leaders from AU member countries, alongside representatives from various international organizations and guests, gathered at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa over the past two days.

The summit covered a spectrum of continental issues, including peace and security, AU reform initiatives, education quality and accessibility, and the implementation of the first phase of Agenda 2063’s ten-year plan.

Notably, the summit adopted the second phase of the ten-year Agenda 2063 plan, underscoring a commitment to long-term development strategies.

The closing session, marked by night-time closed-door discussions, emphasized the imperative for united action to overcome pressing challenges and secure a brighter future for Africa.

Mauritanian President and newly appointed AU Chairperson, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, addressed the gathering during the closing session.

He highlighted key insights from the first decade of Agenda 2063, the continent’s developmental roadmap, and expressed readiness to launch its second phase. Education emerged as a top priority under this year’s theme, with a focus on high-quality, 21st-century training.

President Ghazouani reaffirmed the commitment to peace and security, pledging renewed efforts to resolve conflicts across the continent. Notably, he advocated for a stronger African presence on the international stage, pushing for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council to ensure a reformed and equitable global peace architecture.

In his address, Ghazouani emphasized the necessity for joint action within the AU to find solutions to the challenges faced by member countries.

Peace, stability, human rights, good governance, and sustainable development were identified as paramount priorities.

The Chairperson stressed the crucial role of strong and resilient institutions in driving program success and achieving tangible progress.

He concluded that “An Africa that takes hold of its own destiny in a strong dynamic on the international scene is not merely an option, but an existing necessity. We have no other choice.”