Your Excellency, Mr. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco,
Excellencies, Distinguished USGs and Executive Secretary, Distinguished Delegates, Dear Colleagues,
It is an honour to join you today. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Kingdom of Morocco, together with UNECA and UNOSSC, for placing African connectivity at the heart of our discussions during this High-Level Week.
The theme, “African Connectivity: Towards Continental Integration,” is exceptionally timely. Bridging the connectivity gap—across infrastructure, energy, and the digital sphere—is the key to unlocking the immense potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area and advancing Agenda 2063.
This challenge is a central focus of our work at the United Nations, particularly at the 10th Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology, and Innovation for the SDGs. I would like to acknowledge the excellent co-chairmanship of His Excellency Mr. Omar Hilale, Permanent Representative of Morocco.
The STI Forum underscored that progress on sustainable development hinges on closing the digital divide. With over one-third of the global population still offline, the estimated 1.6 trillion US dollars needed for universal connectivity is just the start. As participants stressed, digital access alone is insufficient without parallel investments in skills, education, and inclusive policies.
This is why UN DESA also champions connectivity through sustainable transport. This December, we will launch the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport and its associated Implementation Plan. The Decade will put a spotlight on transport as an enabler for connecting communities and economies and achieving the SDGs.
Africa’s connectivity journey must be holistic. Physical infrastructure is essential, but it is our investment in human capital, local skills and innovation ecosystems that transforms physical infrastructure into shared prosperity and resilience.
To support this endeavor, please allow me to highlight three key pillars of UN DESA’s commitment:
First, we are committed to providing essential analysis and policy advice that help member States design integrated strategies, linking physical, digital, human development and sustainable development.
Second, we are committed to strengthening the multilateral and South-South cooperation partnerships that are vital for success. Serving as the Secretariat for the Technology Facilitation Mechanism and for the Global Sustainable Development Report, UN DESA plays a key convening and coordinating role in UN system on STI for the SDGs.
We stand ready to leverage these platforms to deepen collaboration with all of you —to turn continental ambitions into tangible realities.
Third, UN DESA facilitates knowledge-sharing and policy coherence that translates forums’ outcomes and conclusions into actionable national and regional strategies.
In conclusion, enhancing African connectivity is not merely an infrastructure imperative; it is a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable development, peace, and shared prosperity.
Let us work together to build a fully integrated, connected, and resilient Africa.
Thank you.