UNITED NATIONS: Africa's ambitious development agenda is still within reach and may be realised with the right mentality shift and ability to seize the moment, said UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.
Addressing a General Assembly special high-level dialogue on sustainable development of Africa with the theme "The Africa We Want: Reconfirming the Development of Africa as a Priority of the United Nations System" that the United Nations shares the vision of the "Africa We Want" as outlined in the African Union's Agenda 2063 and its realisation through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Speaking on behalf of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Mohammed expressed that the discussion gives African member states, the UN, and partners a worldwide forum to discuss progress and emphasise that "bringing this vision to life remains our shared goal."
She emphasised that the COVID-19 epidemic, climate change, and the Ukraine conflict are the current three continuous crises that put Africa's development gains at risk.
Mohammed emphasised the importance of concentrating on five key issues: creating efficient and trustworthy institutions and policy frameworks; future-proofing Africa's infrastructure through investments in connectivity and digital technologies; education and skill-development as drivers of industrialization in Africa; ensuring access to sustainable energy for all; and a comprehensive approach to financing.
The "Africa We Want" is beneficial for the entire world in addition to the continent. It is crucial to act quickly to save the SDGs in Africa and build a solid foundation for the ambitious goals of the 2063 Agenda, he said.
To build a greener, more sustainable, and more inclusive future for all, she said, "let us today recommit to our ambitious vision and to continue working alongside African countries."
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