AU summit opens with leaders prioritizing water security and sustainable development

African leaders convened in Addis Ababa on Saturday for the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, placing water security and sanitation at the center of continental efforts to advance Agenda 2063 while pledging stronger cooperation to tackle water insecurity, conflict and development challenges across Africa.

The two-day summit, held at the AU headquarters in Ethiopia's capital, is guided by the AU's 2026 theme, "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063".

Leaders are expected to outline strategies to improve access to clean water and sanitation while strengthening cooperation on peace, economic transformation and regional integration.

Opening the summit, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali emphasized that Africa's long-term prosperity depends on aligning economic transformation with climate resilience and social development.

He called for increased investment in productivity, industrialization and innovation, while stressing that environmental pressures and climate change continue to threaten livelihoods across the continent.

"Every child must arrive at school nourished, ready to learn, and prepared for the future," Ali said, underscoring the importance of investing in human capital as African cities and populations continue to expand.

He noted that development planning must ensure cities remain inclusive, environmentally sustainable and capable of connecting communities to markets and opportunities while supporting climate-resilient growth.

Ali also stressed that sustainable development requires stronger continental cooperation and peaceful partnerships to secure stability and prosperity.

"Sustainable growth requires diversified efforts and peaceful cooperation," he said, urging African nations to work together to strengthen resilience and economic inclusion.

Addressing the assembly, Angolan President and current African Union Chairperson Joao Lourenco said that the summit would focus on ensuring effective action on water management, describing water as a strategic resource vital for economic development, public health, food security, social stability and peace across Africa.

He noted that despite the continent's vast water resources, millions of Africans still lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation, calling the situation a collective challenge requiring integrated and sustainable solutions.

"Access to drinking water and sanitation is not just a technical issue, but a political and moral commitment to our peoples," he said, urging greater investments to deliver tangible improvements in the sector.

He added that universal and equitable access to water and sanitation services remains essential to achieving the goals of Agenda 2063, including inclusive development, human capital advancement, climate resilience and good governance.

Addressing leaders, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reaffirmed the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union in advancing peace, development and human rights across the continent.

He emphasized that Africa must have a stronger voice in global decision-making institutions, including reform of the UN Security Council.

"Whenever decisions about Africa are on the table, Africa must be at the table," Guterres said, reiterating support for permanent African representation on the council.

Guterres noted that many African countries continue to face financing constraints and called for reforms in the global financial system to make development funding more accessible and affordable for developing nations.

He also highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa despite the continent contributing relatively little to global emissions, urging stronger global support for adaptation and resilience measures.

The summit continues through Sunday, with leaders expected to adopt decisions aimed at strengthening cooperation in water management, advancing sustainable development and reinforcing Africa's unity and global standing under Agenda 2063 as the continent seeks solutions to economic, climate and security challenges.