Guterres: Africa and Europe Can Shape a Fairer Global Order in a Multipolar World

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the rapid shift toward a multipolar world is not enough to create peace and stability unless it is accompanied by strong partnerships and constructive cooperation among regional centers of power. His remarks came during his address at the African Union–European Union Summit held in Angola, where he called for building an African–European axis capable of correcting the “historical injustice” embedded in the structure of the international system.
Guterres said the world is witnessing profound changes in the map of global influence, but “multipolarity alone is no guarantee of peace,” cautioning that the absence of cooperation could turn this transition into dangerous competition instead of achieving balance. He stressed that Africa and Europe together can form a “central axis” for building a more just and inclusive global order.
Reforming the Global Financial System
The Secretary-General described the current international financial rules as “unfair and ineffective,” noting that many African countries are burdened with massive debts that hinder investment and development. He called for:
Ending unsustainable debts,
Tripling the capacity of multilateral development banks,
And granting developing countries a greater voice in global financial decision-making.
He added that addressing economic and development crises would help reduce irregular migration and large-scale displacement.
Turning Climate Potential into Industrial Opportunities
Guterres pointed out that Africa possesses enormous potential in renewable energy and clean-energy minerals, while Europe has capital and expertise. He said that building a genuine clean-energy partnership could help both continents boost industrialization and create long-term economic opportunities within Africa.
Reforming the International Peace and Security Architecture
The Secretary-General called for substantial reforms to the global security system in line with the “Pact for the Future,” foremost among them granting Africa permanent seats on the UN Security Council—an essential step toward correcting one of the deepest forms of historical marginalization.
A New Era of Hope
Guterres concluded by emphasizing that the world is at a pivotal moment that requires building interconnected, not competing, multipolarity. He noted that cooperation between Africa and Europe can transform today’s global turmoil into “a new era of hope.”