The head of the African Union Commission (AUC) , Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has arrived in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he is expected to pressure world leaders for stronger African representation on the UN Security Council (UNSC) and global financial bodies.
Youssouf, joined by his deputy Salma Malika Hadadi and a delegation of AUC, is attending the annual high-level diplomatic week under this year’s theme of reforming multilateralism and restoring international trust.
The African delegation enters the summit with a mandate to shift the narrative of the continent from a recipient of foreign aid to an active strategic power. Youssouf’s agenda centers on pushing for structural changes to global governance architecture, specifically demanding permanent representation on the UNSC and an expanded voting share within international financial institutions.
He is also expected to showcase African-led initiatives in continental peace, security, and economic integration while highlighting internal AU reforms aimed at reducing dependency on external funding. By positioning the continent as an essential partner in resolving global crises, the delegation will argue that international efforts in climate action, supply chain trade, technology regulation, and global health cannot succeed without African leadership.
During his week-long deployment in New York, Youssouf is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, alongside meetings with several heads of state and multinational corporate executives. The AU delegation also plans to convene a series of side-event summits to solidify economic and security pacts with international partners.
