6 Sep 2011 - Progress has been made to enhance coordination between the African Union (AU) and the United Nations in order to successfully address the common challenges in the area of peace and security in Africa, the AU Commission Chairperson Jean Ping announced in a high-level meeting held recently in Cairo.

"I would like to mention the establishment of the AU-UN Joint Task Force, which brings together
the relevant officials of the two organizations, for systematic review of situations of common concern,
articulation of joint strategies and identification of the practical steps that need to be taken. In a few
weeks time, the Joint Task Force will convene another meeting in New York. I have no doubt that this
meeting will provide further impetus to the cooperation between the AU and the United Nations", Mr. Ping told while addressing the 2nd AU High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security and Stability in Africa.

Jean Ping said it "is critical that the AU and the United Nations continue to enhance their strategic partnership, bearing in mind the complexities of today's peace and security challenges in Africa, the need for innovative responses and the paramount importance of Africa's ownership and leadership."

The meeting held in Cairo brought together five former Heads of States, AU Special Envoys and Representatives as well as partner organizations such as the UN, European Union, the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation, the Francophone International Organization, representatives of the civil society organizations, think tanks and resource persons. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Guinea-Bissau and Head of UNIOGBIS Joseph Mutaboba attended the event.

Participants recognized that the continued prevalence of armed conflicts and violence on the continent in spite of the significant progress made over the past years, was linked to the lack of decisive improvements in political and economic governance on the continent, conditions that inevitably generate frustration and discontent in the population, culminating in revolts and revolutions in some cases. Hence, they stressed the imperative of good governance through the strengthening of democratic culture and institutions, respect for human rights, upholding of the rule of law as a means for preventing conflicts and enhancing the participation of citizens in addressing prevailing problems.