The African Union summit focuses on water resource management and regional security.

The 39th African Union Summit opened at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on the 14th, focusing on water resource management, regional security and stability, and other issues. AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki said at the opening ceremony that water resources and sanitation facilities are crucial, affecting people's lives and economic development. He stated that the current turbulence in the international order has had a major impact on the African continent, and multilateralism is facing severe tests. "We are witnessing the rise of unilateralism and protectionism, and Africa must enhance its own strength by accelerating political and economic integration." Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy stated that water is not just a resource, but also the foundation for the development, innovation, and stability of countries, affecting urban and rural areas, health, and peace. If countries in Africa can manage rivers reasonably based on the principle of win-win cooperation, rivers can become a force for promoting stability. UN Secretary-General Guterres reviewed the past decade of interaction and cooperation between the UN and the AU at the opening ceremony. He said, "Let us continue to move forward, strengthen our partnership, to promote peace, achieve sustainable development, and ensure human rights." The summit, themed "Strengthening water security, improving water and sanitation systems, and implementing the Agenda 2063," will last for two days. Burundian President Ndayishimiye was elected as the new AU Chairperson.