“Multipolarity alone is not a guarantee of peace“he said. Without strong cooperation, it can fuel rivalry instead of balance.
Speaking at a summit between African Union (AU) – the political and economic union of the continent – and the European Union (EU)the bloc of 27 European states, argued that the two regions could form a “central axis” of a fairer global order.
He said this could correct “historical injustices” and give a real voice to countries long excluded from global decision-making.
He outlined three areas where cooperation can drive change.
1. Fix the global financial system
Guterres said current financial rules are “unfair and ineffective.” Many African countries remain trapped in debt payments that leave little room for investment.
He called for ending unsustainable debt, tripling the lending power of multilateral development banks and giving developing nations greater influence over global finance.
“Together we can end the injustice of poverty” he told the leaders, adding that by working together, regions can also address the pressures behind irregular migration and displacement.
2. Convert climate potential into climate opportunity
Africa has enormous solar and wind potential and many of the minerals needed for clean energy technologies. Demand for these minerals will triple between now and 2030.
Guterres said this creates an opportunity to go beyond exporting raw materials and instead build processing and manufacturing industries in the country.
“Africa has the resources and a young workforce. Europe has the capital and the knowledge,” he said. He argued that a true clean energy partnership could generate long-term shared growth.
3. Reform the global peace and security system
Guterres pointed to the Future Pact, agreed last year, as a guide for peace and security reform.
He calls for permanent African seats on the UN Security Council, a move he said would correct “a deep historical injustice” and improve the Council’s capacity to respond to crises.
Why is it important
Guterres warned that global power is changing. He said that against the risk of division, the world needs a interconnected multipolarity.
Reforming global finance, accelerating climate action, and reshaping peace and security structures, including addressing Africa’s exclusion from the Security Council, are critical to creating what he called “a fairer and more equal system”.
He stressed that Africa and Europe have the capacity to drive these changes together and help transform the current turbulence into what he described as “a new era of hope.”