“With the youngest population in the world, abundant natural resources and a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, Africa is ready to do said The 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (Ticad) in Yokohama.
He said the theme of Reunion – Co-create innovative solutions with Africa -was a reminder that these same forces can help shape a more peaceful, prosperous and lasting world in Africa and beyond.
Progress and reform
In this regard, he underlined the need to accelerate progress to achieve Sustainable development objectives (ODD) by investment, reform and partnerships.
Mr. Guterres highlighted five areas of cooperation, starting with his long -standing push to reform global governance institutions so that they reflect the realities of today.
“” Africa must have a stronger voice to shape decisions that affect its future“He said.
“” Which includes a long -awaited reform of Security adviceWhere incredibly, Africa has no permanent member and other regions remain underrepresented. »»
He also called for the revision of international financial architecture, describing the current system as “unjust and unfair”, as well as daring actions on the relief of debt.
Value and renewable energy chains
The secretary general then highlighted investment in sustainable global value chains and regional integration.
“The path of prosperity of Africa must focus on adding value to its raw materials, the creation of decent jobs and the strengthening of resilience, the profit of the African continental free trade area,” he said.
He also underlined the need to fight against the “African energy paradox”, noting that although the continent has enormous potential to produce renewable energies, it receives only 2% of global investments in the sector. Meanwhile, some 600 million Africans do not have access to electricity.
“Africa also houses the critical minerals necessary to fuel renewable technologies,” he continued. ” But The countries welcoming them must be those that benefit from them first and most, while adding value to local and global value chains. “”
Invest in technology, youth and peace
By turning alongside technology, Mr. Guterres called to exploit digital innovation, including artificial intelligence (AI), for development.
He said that Japan’s technological leadership can help close the digital fracture, “and ensure that technology helps African countries catch up with adequate digital public infrastructure, rather than being left behind. »»
“Young people are the manufacturers of the future of Africa”, the fourth point of the Secretary General stressed the need to invest in their skills and their education, in particular in STEMs (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
“” Invest in the full participation of women in economies, companies and political systems“, He added.
Mr. Guterres concluded by recognizing the link between peace and prosperity.
“Sustainable development requires sustainable peace,” he said.
“By silencing firearms as clearly points out the African Union. And by putting an end to violence in all its forms and by strengthening social cohesion and stability that can attract investments and businesses in Africa. ”
About Ticad
The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) is co-organized by Japan and UN, the United Nations Development Program (Predict), the World Bank and the African Union Commission (AUC).
It has been taking place since 1993 in order to promote the development, peace and security of Africa, thanks to the strengthening of relations in multilateral cooperation and partnership.
“For more than three decades, the Ticad has embodied the spirit of multilateralism – based on mutual respect, shared responsibility and a deep belief in the potential of Africa,” said the secretary general.
The conference takes place from August 20 to 23.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
