Mr Guterres hailed the many initiatives by the African Union (AU) aimed at realizing this vision for the continent – including Agenda 2063, a blueprint for the Africa of the future, and the Decade of Women’s Financial and Economic Inclusion – and the decision to focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area at the summit, which he said represents a “truly transformative path to creating jobs and new sources of wealth for Africans, especially youth.”
Tests on all fronts
Still, the UN chief did not underestimate the “enormous tests” Africa faces, crises “bigger than any in our lives” and called for action.
On the economic front, Mr Guterres called for more financial support for a continent he said was beset by a dysfunctional and unfair financial system, imbalances in the availability of resources for recovery from the crisis COVID-19 Pandemic and a cost of living crisis exacerbated by the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The financial system, the UN chief said, routinely denies debt relief to African countries and charges usurious interest rates, starving them of investment in vital areas such as health, education and social protection.
The answer, according to Mr. Guterres, is a radical transformation of the international financial system that focuses on the needs of developing countries.
Ensure a just transition to clean energy
Referring to the climate crisis, Mr. Guterres acknowledged that a transition to a clean energy future must address energy access issues and development challenges in a continent rich in fossil fuel sources and millions without electricity.
He said that for decarbonization and development, African countries need broader access to technologies such as battery storage systems, components and raw materials.
A “tidal wave of support” from developed countries is needed, he said, to match the leadership of several countries on climate issues; He pointed to Kenya’s green economy strategy, efforts to protect Congo’s tropical forests, South Africa’s Just Transition Energy Partnership and the AU’s ambitious Green Stimulus Programme.
That support, Mr Guterres said, must include providing a fund for the losses and damages caused by the crisis, doubling up on adaptation funding and ensuring that every country has early warning systems in place to protect against extreme climate shocks.
Africa needs peace
On the subject of peace and security, Mr. Guterres noted that the role of the UN is becoming more complex every year, with more conflict, terrorism and insecurity. He called for a more flexible and efficient system, as outlined in the United Nations’ New Agenda for Peace, which aims to strengthen the organization’s peacekeeping operations.
This new agenda, explained the Secretary General, must combine peace with sustainable development, climate protection and human rights with greater participation by women and young people.
Finally, Mr. Guterres expressed his hope that the 21st century could become Africa’s century and the UN’s determination to work with every African country to unlock the continent’s enormous potential and overcome the obstacles that stand in its way.
UN chief announces 250 million emergency aid
After his speech at the summit, Mr. Guterres announced in a press conference that the UN would allocate $250 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to fight famine and address underfunded emergencies.
This is the largest CERF allocation to date and comes in response to a 25 percent increase in the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance to approximately 339 million. 12 of the 18 funded countries are located on the African continent.
The resources will support some of the most vulnerable people in some of the most forgotten crises around the world.
