The African Union has appointed Ambassador Mohamed Edrees as its new Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York, the Commission confirmed on Friday. 

Edrees officially assumed his post at the AU Mission in New York, where he held an introductory meeting with staff. He underlined the importance of strengthening the AU’s engagement with the UN and called for close coordination in preparation for the organisation’s participation in the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly.

The session, scheduled for September 22 to 30 at UN headquarters, will convene under the theme “Better Together; 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights.”

Edrees said the AU’s presence at the gathering will be significant, urging staff to work collectively to ensure the mission plays an effective role during the high-level meetings.

The diplomat brings extensive multilateral experience. He served as Egypt’s Permanent Representative to the UN until 2021 and was Ambassador to Ethiopia, representing Egypt at the AU and the UN Economic Commission for Africa from 2011 to 2015. He has chaired the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Advisory Group and co-facilitated the 7th Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy Review, giving him a strong foundation for advancing African priorities at the UN.