AU, EU, and UN Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Multilateralism at Trilateral Meeting
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, leaders from the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), and the United Nations (UN) convened at the UN Headquarters in New York for a trilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly. The gathering brought together key figures, including Chairperson of the AU Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, President of the European Council Antonio Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, along with senior officials from the secretariats of the three organizations.
In a joint communique, the AU, EU, and UN reaffirmed their strong commitment to multilateralism, emphasizing it as the most effective approach to tackling the complex global challenges of today. The leaders condemned the increasing disregard for international law, international humanitarian law, and human rights law, stressing the critical need for strict adherence to the principles outlined in the UN Charter.
The meeting focused extensively on peace and security efforts in Africa. Discussions highlighted the urgent need to end the ongoing war in Sudan and address the growing threat of terrorist armed groups while promoting reconciliation and sustainable development in the Sahel region. The three organizations expressed unified support for the UN roadmap aimed at reviving the political process in Libya, underscoring their commitment to fostering stability in the region.
Additionally, the leaders voiced strong support for ongoing international and regional peace initiatives in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. They reaffirmed their backing for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia and engaged in discussions on the ongoing reviews of peace operations, which are designed to address emerging challenges both in Africa and globally.
The trilateral meeting also addressed the importance of advancing UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which focuses on providing predictable financing for AU-led peace support operations on a case-by-case basis. The AU, EU, and UN underscored their collective dedication to promoting lasting peace and accelerating sustainable development across Africa. A key point of discussion was the implementation of the Sevilla Commitment, which aims to unlock and scale up financing for development, catalyze investments, and address the debt challenges faced by developing nations. The leaders called for further progress in tackling unsustainable debt levels and reforming Multilateral Development Banks, particularly under South Africa’s presidency of the G20.
The meeting also highlighted growing concerns about climate-induced disruptions, which disproportionately impact the world’s most vulnerable populations. The leaders urged for ambitious commitments at the upcoming COP30, scheduled to take place from November 10 to 21, 2025, in Brazil, to address the escalating climate crisis.
Looking ahead, the AU, EU, and UN agreed to reconvene in 2026 on the margins of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly, as stated in the joint communique. This commitment reflects their ongoing dedication to collaboration and multilateral efforts to address global and regional challenges.