Despite its “rich in people and natural resources with enormous untapped economic and social potential”, General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid told high level The Africa we want dialogue that the continent “still faces challenges” in implementing Sustainable development goals (SDG).
Hard-to-win struggles
Africa has undergone a dramatic change since the end of its colonial period, with many countries struggling after independence to secure socio-economic development, peace and security.
“Africa is today a region that has adopted and pursued a transformative agenda towards sustainable development and is building a path towards prosperity,” said the senior UN official. prosperity, unity, peace and integration”.
Noting the cross-cutting commitments of the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), Agenda 2063 and the SDGs, he said, “we are on the right track, but we still have much to do. more”.
Challenges
Compared to Agenda 2063’s 2021 targets, Africa as a whole is only 51% on track, according to a report published in February.
In the face of world challenges, such as climate change, COVID-19With rising fuel prices and inequality, Africa has shown potential vulnerabilities.
However, progress is still possible, underscoring the importance of investing in people.
Compulsory ambition
Describing Africa’s sustainable development as a “priority” for the United Nations and the international community, he said collective actions are often unsatisfactory.
The Council President called on everyone to commit to sustainable development on the continent, assess where action is lacking, drive progress and deliver on existing commitments while creating new ones that “reflect our ever-changing world.”
“With determination, continued commitment, perseverance and support from the international community and the United Nations system,” The Africa we want could become a reality, he concluded.
Turn three crises into an opportunity
Speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General, his deputy, Amina Mohammed confirmed that the UN shares the AU’s vision of a continent shaped by its own story, informed by its own citizens and representatives. represents a dynamic force on the world stage.
However, the pandemic, climate change and war in Ukraine have put previous development achievements at risk.
She outlined measures to address these challenges, maintaining that Africa’s goals remain within reach.
To get there, however, mindsets must change and the triple crisis must be transformed into an opportunity.
UN photo / Mark Garten
Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed speaking at the High Level Dialogue on
Silver coated
Collen Kelapile, President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the session’s co-host, calling it “both timely and appropriate”.
He advocated “collective action and international solidarity to address the potential threat of food insecurity and hunger…[and] the effects of the Ukraine war on energy and the economy”.
“The unprecedented opportunity here is that Africa has an unprecedented opportunity to face these challenges, accelerate industrialization and economic diversification, and integrate more deeply,” ECOSOC states. upstream in the global supply chain through value addition at source”. manager.
Support the agenda
For the first time in a generation, Africa has demonstrated “the collective decisive measures and necessary leadership” to embrace its destiny, he continued.
“As we near the end of the first 10-Year Implementation Plan 2013-2023 of Agenda 2063, this is the right time to have this forward-looking dialogue.”
Agendas that “reinforce and complement each other” exemplify the new story of Africa’s development
“I urge African Member States to accelerate the implementation of both agendas and continue to demonstrate leadership, political will and vision as we move towards the target deadline,” said Mr. The target is 2030 and beyond.
Funding Africa’s Development
Noting that external sources of funding, such as Official Development Assistance (ODA), have been “repeatedly falling short of commitments”, he describes domestic resources as “key” to financing. develop.
The question is how to “create and sustain the necessary policy space” to reform and transform Africa’s “untapped potential”.
“As Africa’s policymakers, we have an important role to play in implementing and advocating reforms that strengthen Africa’s institutions and governance that will improve tax and revenue collection capacity as well as rationalize expenditures in a transparent and accountable manner”.
Vulnerable to climate change
He pointed out that although Africa contributes only about 3.8% to global carbon emissions, Africa is extremely vulnerable to global warming manifested by extreme weather, heat waves and heat waves. , drought, crop failure and famine.
It also leads to further pressures on access to resources, leading to vicious cycles of conflict on the continent and negative spillovers to the rest of the world.
Dubbed the “Africa COP,” the United Nations’ next climate conference, COP27, taking place in Egypt in November is “an important opportunity to address this imbalance,” Kelapile said. .
It will provide investment opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, efficient low-carbon transportation, digital transformation and climate-resilient crops to break the dependence of Africa to import food.
Empowering women and young people
Noting that by investing in human capital, every African can “earn a fair income, live a healthy life and contribute to society,” he encouraged participants to “exploit the human dividend.” demographics” and empowering youth and women in the region.
Investing in women and youth will “put the continent on the right track to make it happen” Agenda 2030 and its SDGs, as well as the aspirations and goals adopted in Agenda 2063,” said Mr. Kelapile.
Finally, he welcomed the initiatives of the AU, the UN, international and regional financial institutions and others to scale up their support for transformative change in Europe. Fly.
