Objectives

This project aims to provide capacity development support to the African Union ’s integrated operational support through “Synergy Training for AU-UN Resources” (STAR), which aims to enhance the operational support skills of African Union (AU) and United Nations Secretariat staff to effectively support joint engagements, including under the framework of Security Council resolution 2719 (2023).

Components

Designed as a blended learning experience, STAR combines online webinars, an in-person workshop, a tailored handbook, and self-paced resources to foster familiarity with AU and UN administrative and support mechanisms and promote collaboration in joint operations. The STAR working group, comprising experts from the AU Commission (AUC), UN Department of Operational Support (DOS), the UN Office to the African Union (UNOAU), and the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), oversees the programme’s development and rollout.

Main achievements

The AU-UN STAR programme working group developed a STAR structure concept, comprising prerequisite self-paced reading material and online courses, a webinar series on thematic areas, and a keynote residential session, and the programme curriculum, which aims to prepare staff of the AU Commission (AUC) and the UN Secretariat to carry out support responsibilities when involved in joint engagements, through problem-based learning, peer-based learning and learning stations. The curriculum was formally endorsed by the USG DOS and Deputy Chairperson of the AUC in October 2024. The foundational course material (handbook) first draft is now complete for The STAR working group’s revision, and includes topics such as supply chain, human resources, resource stewardship, and communications.

Impact

This project enhances interoperability and complementarity on operational support matters and builds on the United Nations’ comparative advantages to strengthen the African Union’s capacity to plan, deploy, manage, and sustain peace support operations. This aligns with the Secretary-General’s “New Agenda for Peace” policy brief, which emphasizes the need for the UN to supplement its toolbox through deeper partnerships with regional organizations like the AU, thereby strengthening the multilateral security architecture and enhancing regional capacity to prevent and respond to conflicts.