I. Introduction
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In my report on support to African Union peacekeeping operations authorized by the United Nations (A/65/510-S/2010/514) of 14 October 2010, I examined the progress made in strengthening the strategic relationship between the United Nations and the African Union; described the operational relationship between the two organizations; listed the key challenges in financing African Union peace support operations; and highlighted initiatives taken by the African Union Commission to reform and enhance its financial management and accountability mechanisms, both in general and specifically in respect to peace support operations. On this basis, I expressed my intention to submit a further report, providing, inter alia, recommendations towards strengthening strategic cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union in the area of peace and security. In its statement of 22 October 2010 (S/PRST/2010/21), the Security Council welcomed this intention and recommended that the report take into account the lessons learned from the various peacekeeping partnership experiences, in particular the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
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The present report provides an update on cooperative efforts between the United Nations and the African Union under the umbrella of peace and security: conflict prevention, mediation, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, human rights and humanitarian affairs. The report also contains lessons learned and recommendations on ways to further strengthen cooperation between the two organizations within the context of a highly dynamic peace and security environment in Africa.