In his speech at the debate on Africa’s development, the CouncilChairperson Philémon Yang refers to the continent’s progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the related African Union (AU) framework, known as Agenda 2063.
“There has never been a better time to accelerate progress towards peace, prosperity and sustainable development,” he said.
Special challenge
Mr. Yang highlighted the recent adoption Pact for the future acknowledges the special challenges faced by the most vulnerable countries, especially African countries, in implementing Agenda 2030.
He emphasized that although Africa has abundant energy and agricultural resources, many countries still suffer from electricity shortages and food insecurity.
Furthermore, debt distress and an unjust global financial system have exacerbated Africa’s financial pressures, leading to a development financing deficit of $1.6 trillion.
He called for a more equitable financial system, expressing that the current system “prioritizes high interest rates and debt repayment over investing in resilience and social services.”
The continent will need about $194 billion in additional financing annually to achieve the SDGs.
Call for global support
While acknowledging the bleak economic outlook, Mr. Yang also praised Africa’s resilience as economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa is predicted to increase from 2.6% in 2023 to 3.8%. in 2025.
He called on the global community to help turn Africa’s “untapped ingenuity” into a solid foundation for inclusive growth, stressing that the continent’s growing working-age population has can be a key driver for transformational change.
“With more effective fiscal management, stronger domestic resource mobilization and better use of debate as a development tool, African economies can strengthen and sustain its growth”.
The youth-led emergency response room at Abu Shouk camp provides food to displaced people.
Peaceful and political solutions
Furthermore, Mr. Yang emphasized the importance of peace and political solutions to conflicts, especially in countries such as Sudan and Somalia. He called for legal and social reforms to address systemic barriers to justice and inequality, noting that “promoting peace and promoting the rule of law in Africa requires Ask for a comprehensive strategy.
He concluded by pledging to put Africa’s development at the top of the General Assembly’s agenda, stressing that “Africa must continue to rise” in pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous future.
