Sure! Here’s the translation of the text into American English:
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In the recent Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres made an urgent call for reforming global architecture to give a stronger voice to the African continent. During his inaugural speech, which was attended by prominent world leaders, including Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Angola’s President João Lourenço, Guterres outlined five essential pillars to strengthen collaboration between Africa and the international community.
The first pillar focused on the need to reform international governance institutions to reflect contemporary realities. Guterres stated that “Africa must have a stronger voice in decisions that affect its future,” pointing out the lack of permanent representation for the continent in the UN Security Council and the need to revise an international financial system he described as “unjust and unbalanced.” Additionally, he urged for debt relief for 34 African countries that, for the most part, allocate more funds to debt payments than to the health and education of their populations.
The second pillar emphasized the importance of investing in sustainable value chains, taking advantage of the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Guterres criticized the continent’s “energy paradox,” noting that despite having vast renewable resources, it attracts only 2% of global investment in clean energy. He highlighted that 600 million people lack access to electricity, asserting that mineral-rich countries should be the first to benefit from the exploitation of their resources.
Regarding digital innovation, Guterres highlighted the digital divide as a significant obstacle and urged for this gap to be closed through technological support, including artificial intelligence. “AI must mean ‘Africa Included,’” he stated, referencing the Pact for the Future, and suggested that Japan could play a crucial role in facilitating digital infrastructure and fostering local capacities.
People-centered development was also a key point in his address. Guterres identified youth and women as drivers of Africa’s future, proposing to promote scientific education, the creation of decent jobs, and active participation in decision-making. “Investing in women is investing in whole economies and societies,” he emphasized.
Finally, Guterres linked peace with prosperity by declaring that “sustainable development requires sustainable peace.” He mentioned the African Union’s “Silence the Guns” agenda, urging for strengthened social cohesion as a means to attract investments. He concluded his remarks by reiterating the importance of existing roadmaps, such as the 2030 Agenda and the AU’s Agenda 2063, advocating for “co-creating solutions for a future of dignity, opportunity, and peace for all.” He also expressed gratitude to Japan and the co-organizers for their ongoing commitment to multilateralism and the development of the African continent.
via: MiMub in Spanish
