Mr. Guterres praised the many initiatives of the African Union (AU) to bring this vision to the continent – including Agenda 2063, a blueprint for Africa in the future, and Decade. financial and economic century of women – and the decision to focus on it, he said, the African Continental Free Trade Area at the Summit, represents a “real change path to job creation.” jobs and new sources of prosperity for the people of Africa, especially for the young”.
Tested on all fronts
However, the UN chief did not underestimate the “huge challenges” facing Africa, crises “bigger than any in our lifetime” and require action.
On the economic front, Mr. Guterres called for more financial support for a continent that, he said, was plagued by a dysfunctional and unfair financial system, unequal supply of resources efforts to recover from the pandemic. COVID-19 The pandemic and the cost of living crisis were exacerbated as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The head of the United Nations claims that the financial system regularly refuses to reduce debt to African countries and imposes exorbitant interest rates, making it impossible for them to invest in important areas, such as health and education. and social protection.
The answer, according to Mr. Guterres, is a radical transformation of the international financial system, centered on the needs of developing countries.
Ensuring a fair transition to clean energy
Turning to the climate crisis, Mr. Guterres acknowledged that the transition to a clean energy future must address energy access issues and development challenges, on a continent rich in fossil fuels. jelly, where millions of people do not have electricity.
He said that, for decarbonization and development, African countries need broader access to technologies such as storage systems for batteries, components and raw materials.
A “tidal wave of support” from developed countries, he said, is needed to match the leadership of some countries on climate issues; he cites Kenya’s green economy strategy, Congo’s efforts to protect rainforests, South Africa’s Fair Transition Energy Partnership and the AU’s ambitious Green Stimulus Program.
Mr. Guterres’ continuation of this support must include providing funds for the loss and damage caused by the crisis, doubling down on adaptation financing and ensuring that every country has early warning systems in place, provide protection from extreme climate shocks.
Africa needs peace
On the topic of peace and security, Mr. Guterres noted that the role of the United Nations is becoming more complex every year, with more conflicts, terrorism and insecurity. He called for a more flexible and effective system, as outlined in the New United Nations Agenda for Peace, that underpins the Organization’s peace missions.
The Secretary-General explained that this new agenda needs to link peace with sustainable development, climate action and human rights, with greater participation of women and youth.
Mr. Guterres concluded by expressing hope that the 21st Century could be Africa’s century and the determination of the United Nations to work with each African country to unleash the great potential of the continent and overcome it. obstacles are standing in its way. .
UN chief announces $250 million in emergency funding
After his speech at the Summit, Mr. Guterres announced in a press conference that the UN would allocate $250 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (Central Emergency Response Fund).CERF), to fight hunger and deal with shortage of funds emergencies.
This is the largest CERF allocation ever, and it responds to a 25% increase in the number of people in need of humanitarian aid, to approximately 339 million people. 12 of the 18 recipient countries are located on the African continent.
Resources will support some of the most vulnerable people in some of the world’s most neglected crises.
