The summit, co-chaired by Angolan President João Lourenço, current AU Chairperson, and European Council President António Costa, brings together heads of state and government from AU and EU member states under the theme “Promoting Peace and Prosperity Through Effective Multilateralism.” 

It builds on the outcomes of the 3rd AU-EU Ministerial Meeting in Brussels in May 2025, where leaders reaffirmed commitments to shared values, mutual interests, and sustainable growth amid global challenges like climate change, geopolitical shifts, and economic pressures.

During today’s high-level opening sessions, Shettima is set to engage with African and European counterparts on bolstering multilateral cooperation, enhancing peace and security frameworks across the continents, building climate resilience, and forging pathways for inclusive, sustainable development. 

Discussions will also unlock opportunities in trade, technology, and the digital economy, with a focus on youth innovation, governance reforms, and the evolving AU-EU strategic partnership.

The engagements portrays Nigeria’s central role in articulating Africa’s priorities for global stability and development, as the summit aims to produce a joint declaration outlining actionable commitments. 

Preceding side events, including the AU-EU Youth and Civil Society Forum on November 20–21, have already fed recommendations on youth employment, innovation, climate action, and social inclusion into the leaders’ agenda.

As the event coincides with Angola’s 50th independence anniversary and the broader celebration of decades of AU-EU collaboration in areas like peacebuilding, education, and humanitarian efforts, Shettima’s participation is expected to amplify Nigeria’s voice in shaping a forward-looking framework for shared prosperity between Africa and Europe.