Luanda – Angola took over Friday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the presidency of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), for a period of 30 days.
According to a press release, to mark the fact the country held a “brainstorming” session on the Future Summit, to be held next September, under the aegis of the United Nations and a reception at the official residence of the Angolan Diplomatic Mission in Ethiopia.
Speaking at the opening of the first event that also constituted the 220th PSC Meeting, Angola's representative to the AU, Miguel Bembe, predicted that the summit will be an important platform where Africa's common voices and aspirations should be presented.
He envisioned innovative solutions that respond to the complex challenges that the continent must overcome.
The Angolan diplomat recalled that the proposal to hold the Future Summit originated in the "Our Common Agenda" report, a request from Member States on the best way to face current and future global challenges.
He praised the main characteristics and objectives of the aforementioned forum, namely the agenda on innovation and sustainability, the platform for dialogue and collective action, the promotion of inclusion, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the long-term impact.
The Future Summit is an opportunity for Member States to reflect on the challenges faced by the continent in the areas of peace, security, sustainable development and human rights, which are considered pillars of the United Nations.
PSC
According to the statement, released at the 220th meeting of the PSC, the Future Pact must ensure the efforts of regional organizations in promoting peace, security and stability and observe the eradication of poverty in all its forms and dimensions, as well as the end of hunger in the world.
It expresses the urgent need for reform of the UN Security Council, in accordance with the Common African Position enshrined in the Ezulwini Consensus, to ensure the inclusion and equality of all its members.
It highlights the urgent need to reform the global financial architecture so that developing countries are not forced to choose between achieving sustainable development and responding to the needs of their populations or mitigating the effects of global shocks and interrelated crises.
The statement mentions that the Future Pact must be the basis for a sustainable and prosperous future for present and future generations, which requires the reinforcement of international peace and security, the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
The fight against terrorism and violent extremism, addressing the threat of the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the eradication of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, was also highlighted.
PSC members defended the rule of law as a crucial element for prevention, mediation and peacebuilding, emphasizing the use of diplomacy and dialogue as the main means to resolve disputes and peacefully overcome social divisions.
They equally encouraged all parties involved to ensure the inclusion of AU instruments, policies and programs in the Future Compact, including Agenda 2063, called “The Africa We Want”, the Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to Silencing the Guns on the Continent by 2030, and youth and women's safety programs.
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