Ahead of the 7th African Union (AU)-European Union (EU) Summit taking place in Angola from 24-25 November, the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) has published a statement addressing African and European Heads of State and Government calling for candid reflections on the African–European partnership.

In recent years, the AU–EU Partnership has begun to emphasize an “equal partnership”, shifting away from the traditional donor–recipient model. Yet to fully realize this ambition and foster a relationship that promotes shared prosperity for all, according to BIC representatives, it is essential to cultivate processes which enable the people and nations involved to play a genuine and meaningful role. Joint learning and shared ownership of the decisions that shape their collective future are essential to achieve these goals.

Titled “For the Well-Being of All: Embracing a New Foundational Paradigm on the 25th Anniversary of the AU–EU Partnership”, the new BIC statement says the assumptions and approaches underlying the partnership must be rethought, while addressing a range of themes, including the implications of interdependence and an expanded conception of progress and development. 

Alessandro Benedetti, Representative of the BIC’s office in Brussels, said regarding AU-EU relations that "what is needed is a new foundational paradigm for the partnership between the two continents, and the acknowledgement of the interdependence and the oneness of humanity." He added that without this principle, “any attempt to bring long term solutions to the profound challenges facing humanity will remain a distant hope."

The statement, co-signed by the BIC’s Addis Ababa and Brussels offices, outlines several implications for reorienting the AU-EU Partnership, including acknowledging the oneness of humanity, strengthening joint consultative processes and developing a sustainable, multi-level capacity building framework for development. The statement builds on the ongoing efforts of the BIC to explore, together with others, new foundations for a more just and equitable system of global governance that advances the well-being of all. 

"A sincere effort to strengthen the partnership must begin by questioning those inherited frameworks that enable social ills and economic disparities to persist," said Shemona Moonilal, a representative from the BIC’s Addis Ababa Office.

“One key prerequisite for a flourishing relationship is an expanded notion of social progress, one which includes, but transcends, increased economic activity. Every region has both pressing challenges to address, as well as valuable insights to offer,” she added.

The BIC’s Addis Ababa and Brussels offices have also been actively involved in ongoing discussions and forums on the partnership, including serving on the interim steering committee of the Africa–Europe Civil Society Platform, and co-chairing its youth working group. The platform facilitates knowledge-sharing and dialogue between civil society and the intergovernmental structures of the AU–EU Partnership.