The chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has appointed Ambassador Fathallah Sijilmassi as Special Envoy for G20 and global affairs, according to AU’s statement issued over the weekend.
In his capacity as Special Envoy, Sijilmassi will support the chairperson of the AU Commission in advancing the African Union’s strategic engagement with the G20. On the G20 issues, Sijilmassi will conduct his mission in line with the global AU G20 governance.
Sijilmassi will also support the chairperson of the commission in advancing the African Union’s strategic engagement in other key global and multilateral platforms.
He will undertake consultations with member states, international partners and relevant stakeholders with a view to promoting coordinated African positions on issues of strategic importance to the continent.
The envoy will also be in close coordination with relevant AU departments and structures to strengthening Africa’s voice in discussions on global governance, international financial architecture, sustainable development, trade, climate action, technology and other emerging global challenges affecting the continent.
The appointment comes at a time when the international system is undergoing significant transformation, requiring stronger African coordination and effective representation in global forums. The African Union has consistently emphasised the importance of ensuring that Africa plays an active role in shaping decisions that affect its development and its place in the global order.
The chairperson expressed his confidence in the experience, diplomatic expertise and knowledge of global affairs of Sijilmassi, and entrusted him with contributing to the advancement of the African Union’s strategic priorities and partnerships at the global level.
According to the statement, the appointment reflects AU’s commitments to strengthening its engagement with global institutions and platforms and ensuring that Africa’s priorities, perspectives and interests are effectively articulated in international decision-making processes.
The African Union Commission reaffirms its commitment to strengthening Africa’s collective voice and advancing an effective, coordinated and strategic African engagement in global affairs, in line with Agenda 2063, “The Africa We Want.”
MG/as/APA