What type of challenges does the African Union primarily seek to address?

The African Union primarily focuses on conflict resolution and economic development as core challenges it aims to address. Established in 2001 to replace the Organization of African Unity, the African Union prioritizes fostering peace, security, and stability across the continent, which are essential for sustainable development.

Conflict resolution is a significant aspect of the AU's mission, as many African nations face civil wars, inter-state conflicts, and political instability. The AU plays a crucial role in mediating disputes, deploying peacekeeping forces, and facilitating dialogue among conflicting parties to promote peace.

In addition to conflict resolution, the African Union recognizes that economic development is vital for the progress and integration of African countries. This includes initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, bolstering trade, and enhancing cooperation among member states to achieve economic growth and reduce poverty.

While the other options touch on important issues, they do not align with the primary focus of the African Union’s mission. Sports and culture, international shipping issues, and wildlife management, while valuable areas of concern, are not at the forefront of the AU's agenda. The organization's main objectives center around achieving peace and promoting economic advancement for the member states, making conflict resolution and economic development the correct focus.