Mahmoud Ali Youssouf: Africa strengthening its position on international stage

Africa's position on the international stage continues to strengthen, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said in a video message to participants of the 2026 Africa Day event in Baku, titled "Rising Continent, Emerging Partnerships," Report informs.

He noted that the continent's permanent membership in the G20 was a historic step.

"This has opened the door for Africa to fully participate in global economic decision-making and make a meaningful contribution to international decisions on issues of peace, climate, food security, trade, health, and sustainable development," he stated.

He added that the African Union continues to advance institutional reforms aimed at increasing the organization's effectiveness and efficiency and better representing the interests of the continent's people.

He emphasized that the African Union's current agenda focuses on ensuring sustainable water supply and developing safe sanitation systems as part of achieving the goals of Agenda 2063.

According to Youssouf, this reflects the key role of water security, climate resilience, and public health as the foundation of Africa's future.