António Guterres also argues that, over the past 20 years, the African Union (AU) “has helped bring this hope to life, to enable the continent to realize its great potential”.
The head of the United Nations addressed the 35th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU, taking place in Addis Ababa this weekend, via a video message.
He is being represented in the Ethiopian capital, by the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed.
Partnerships
According to Mr. Guterres, the cooperation between the UN and the AU is “stronger than ever”, with 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 (Africa Blueprint for a More Peaceful, Integrated and Prosperous Continent) as central pillars.
The Secretary General stated that “Injustice is ingrained in global systems, “but it is the people of Africa” that are paying the heaviest price. ”
He remembers that vaccination rates are seven times higher in high-income countries than in Africa, and claims that “a morally bankrupt global financial system has abandoned the nations of the Middle East.” Male”.
Unethical inequalities suffocate Africa, causing armed conflict, political, economic, ethnic and social tensions, human rights violations, violence against women, he continued. terrorism, military coups and feelings of retribution.
As a result, Mr. Guterres said, tens of millions of people are displaced across the continent and democratic institutions are in jeopardy.
Then, the Secretary-General asked for the assistance of the United Nations to activate the “four engines of recovery”.
Vaccination
First, he said, everyone needs to get vaccinated.
In this regard, he highlighted the Africa Vaccine Acquisition Task Force (AVATT) and the benefits that greater vaccine production in South Africa and other African countries would create.
“I urge you to enable the number of African countries capable of producing replicated trials, vaccines and treatments, including by addressing ownership issues,” he said. intellectually and provide the necessary technical and financial support”.
We’re in emergency mode and we need everyone on deck
Financial system reform
Second, Mr. Guterres said that member countries need to stimulate the economic recovery by reforming the global financial system.
“But the deck is stacked against Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa is facing cumulative economic growth per capita over the next five years, 75% lower than the rest of the world.“, I said.
He called for the re-direction of the Special Drawing Rights – a IMF– reserve monetary assets disposed of – for countries in need of assistance right now, reforming the structure of international debt and more favorable forms of financing.
Green recovery
Third, the head of the United Nations pointed to a green recovery across the continent.
The vast continent contributes only 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but many of the worst effects of climate change are being felt there.
“To address today’s tragic reality, We need a radical boost in funding for adaptation and mitigation on the continent,” said Mr. Guterres.
According to him, the commitment of Glasgow COP26 dual adaptation financing, from 20 billion USD, must be made, but it is not enough.
He called on rich countries to make good on their $100 billion climate financing pledge to developing countries, starting this year, and noted that private sector partners have also made the pledge. .
“We are in a state of emergency, and we need everyone to join hands,” he said, pointing to the next United Nations Climate Conference (COP27), which will take place later this year in Egypt, is “a much-needed opportunity for Africa and our world”.
Peace
Finally, the UN chief said peace across the continent could also act as an engine for recovery.
In multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multicultural countries across Africa, Mr. Guterres believes that an organization like The African Union “is about showing how people can coexist – even thrive – by working together.”. ”
This, he said, requires “inclusive and participatory structures” and so Member States need to make them happen through good governance.
Mr. Guterres added, especially for young Africans, who need more connectivity to access information, benefit from faster communication, better education and employment.
