Parfait Onanga-Anyanga
UN Special Representative of the Secretary General to the AU and Head of Office (SRSG), United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU)
Parfait Onanga-Anyanga

Gender equality is not a fashionable necessity but an imperative that springs from the inalienable dignity all human beings share in equal measure. Leadership is not an inclusion objective; it is a strategic necessity for effective conflict prevention, credible mediation, and sustainable peace. Our responsibility is to ensure it is reflected in all aspects of our lives, particularly at the leadership level where decisions are made.

I support the IGC Panel Parity Pledge.

I support the IGC gender-based violence pledge.

Personal Commitments

I commit to using my leadership role to promote women’s meaningful participation and visibility in decision-making, high-level engagements, panels, briefings, and policy processes, including by actively supporting gender balance and representation, and by creating space for women’s voices, expertise, and leadership to inform UN-AU peace and security priorities.
I commit to fostering a workplace culture of dignity, respect, and zero tolerance for gender-based violence, sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse, sexist attitudes, and discriminatory behavior, including by encouraging open dialogue, supporting prevention efforts, and promoting accountability within UNOAU and the wider institutional sphere of influence.