CHAIR'S STATEMENT

OF THE MINISTERIAL-LEVEL MEETING

Of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) (draft)

4 December 2001, Tokyo Japan

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial-level meeting was held on 3 and 4 December, 2001, in Tokyo with participation of the Ministers and Heads of Delegations and senior officials, representing 52 African countries and 27 partner countries as well as international, regional and sub-regional organizations. 

This meeting was organized in the context of high level forums promoted by the TICAD process to build effective partnerships around critical development issues. H. E. Mr. Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan, made the opening speech and H. E. Mr. Alpha Oumar Konare, President of the Republic of Mali, delivered the keynote address. These statements set the tone of the meeting and inspired the active and friendly exchange of views on issues of concern.    

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for a discussion at the Ministerial level of what the TICAD process had accomplished thus far and what could be expected of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). Particular emphasis was placed on the following areas: (1) strengthening the foundation of development, through promotion of peace; (2)investing in people, focus on human resource development, education and health sectors; and (3) reducing poverty through economic growth. 

In addition, South-South cooperation, particularly between Asia and Africa as well as among African countries, regional cooperation, and ICT were recognized as important approaches to be taken in promoting African development. The meeting also provided a useful opportunity to engage in dialogue with the private sector and with civil society, and there was a general acknowledgment that the private sector could be an important force behind sustainable development in Africa in the decades to come. Appreciation was expressed to the Government of Senegal for hosting a preparatory meeting on October 30-31, and the Chairman’s Summary Report adopted in Dakar, was endorsed as a baseline document for discussion at the meeting. 

It was noted with appreciation that the TICAD process has contributed immensely to mainstreaming African development in the agenda of the international community. It was affirmed that the Tokyo Declaration on African Development “Towards the 21^st Century” and the Tokyo Agenda for Action (TAA) adopted by TICAD I in 1993 and TICAD II in 1998 respectively, had gained increasing relevance.  It was emphasized that all stakeholders need to make further efforts to achieve the objectives set by TAA. There was an agreement among all participants as to the importance of strengthening the monitoring of TICAD programmes and projects, by each country and organization concerned. Also welcomed was NEPAD launched by African leaders as a concrete commitment to assume effective leadership and accountability in realizing the principles of ownership and global partnership. The spirit and objectives of NEPAD are in line with those advocated by TICAD. Willingness to support NEPAD through strengthening of the TICAD process was affirmed. Regional organizations become increasingly important in the implementation process of both NEPAD and TICAD.

The meeting considered the emerging threat of international terrorism to the entire world. However it was urged that Africa’s development be retained as one of the highest priority items on the agenda of the international community. It was further noted that the TICAD Ministerial-level meeting was also timely convened to enhance the common understanding of NEPAD in advance of important meetings including the International Conference on Financing for Development and the Kananaskis G8 Summit Meeting. No real peace and prosperity in the world will be possible without the resolution of African problems. In this regard, the importance for Africa to fully participate in the global economy was reiterated as it was noted that there will be no true globalization without participation of Africa. Emphasis was also placed on efforts being undertaken within the existing framework for relieving the debt burden, advancing the multilateral trade negotiations initiated by the Doha Ministerial Declaration, and establishing the HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria Fund. The international community was urged to promote resource flows to Africa particularly foreign direct investment.

The Government of Japan, supported by other co-organizers, announced that TICADIII would be held in the latter half of 2003. 

The participants extended their high appreciation to the government of Japan for the successful holding of the conference and its leading role in the TICAD process.  They also commended the valuable contributions made by other co-organizers in moving the TICAD process forward. Finally, they expressed their gratitude to the people of Japan for the hospitality that has been shown to them during their stay in Japan.