At the high-level African Union summit that took place on Saturday in Addis Ababa, UN Secretary General António Guterres highlighted the remarkable potential of the African continent, driven by its youth and abundant resources. Guterres called for a stronger collaboration between the United Nations and the African Union, stating that this alliance has never been stronger. In his speech, the Secretary General expressed that “we see an Africa brimming with hope and possibilities.”
Guterres emphasized the vitality of Africa’s young population and the potential offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area, an initiative designed to eliminate trade barriers and facilitate trade among African countries. This effort falls within a context where the continent seeks to promote its economic growth and improve the living conditions of its inhabitants.
The main theme of the summit was “Justice for Africans and Afro-descendants through reparations.” Guterres pointed out that, despite the progress made in decolonization, challenges persist overlaid by colonialism and human trafficking. He highlighted the urgent need to reform the UN, emphasizing the lack of permanent African representation in the Security Council, which he considers a serious omission that must be rectified.
In his intervention, he also advocated for a reform of the international financial architecture, which is limiting the growth of many African economies due to debt and high financing costs. Guterres explained that these limitations prevent countries from investing in crucial areas such as health and education.
The crisis situation in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) became a focal point. Guterres expressed concern over forced displacement and famine in Sudan, as well as the advancement of the M23 rebel group in the DRC, where he urged that “there is no military solution to the conflict; only dialogue can solve it.”
Furthermore, Guterres proposed that sustainable development in Africa could be enhanced through gender equality, transition to clean energy sources, and digitalization. He mentioned the Pact for the Future, an international agreement that seeks to reform the financial architecture and allocate $500 billion annually to developing countries, as a step towards achieving these goals.
The Secretary General warned about the climate crisis, which provides Africa with the opportunity to lead the clean energy economy, even though it currently only receives 2% of global investments in this sector. He emphasized that with proper reforms, the continent could become a “global clean energy powerhouse.”
He also addressed the need to bridge the digital divide, as two-thirds of the African population lack access to reliable internet. To assist in the adoption of new technologies, the UN has planned initiatives that will include a report on the use of artificial intelligence for the benefit of developing countries. Guterres pointed out that preparing African youth for the future job market is a priority that cannot be ignored.
via: MiMub in Spanish
