Presentation of the SG’s report on NEPAD
– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, President of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly, on the Presentation of the SG’s report on NEPAD
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an honor to address this joint debate. It will be the final event of this year’s Africa Week. And it will address many issues, which are crucial to Africa’s development.
To start us off, I will make three brief points.
First, I want to acknowledge the importance of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development.
NEPAD was something of a trailblazer. It predates the 2030 Agenda, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 by more than a decade. Nevertheless, many of its core priorities are also found in the later frameworks. These include infrastructure development, human development, food security, education and training, and health.
Since its adoption in 2001, NEPAD has led to transformative change. For example, the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme has improved agricultural productivity on the continent. It has also changed the lives of many in African countries.
Additionally, NEPAD has led to big strides in the integration of African trade. The finalization of the Tripartite Free Trade Area agreement this summer was an important step. It will harmonize three sub-regional blocs, which previously had their own rules and models for trade. The Continental Free Trade Area is no longer a distant dream. It could very soon be a reality.
Major hurdles still need to be overcome. Faster progress needs to be seen – not only in the two sectors of agriculture and trade, but also in a wide range of key areas, including infrastructure,
industry, economic diversification and poverty eradication. NEPAD, together with the 2030 Agenda and the Agenda 2063, sets out a very clear plan for how this should happen. We must ensure that these frameworks are harmonized and integrated, particularly in reporting, follow-up and review.
Secondly, I want to repeat the message I heard many times this week, which is that no development in Africa can take hold unless it is led from within.
When NEPAD was adopted in 2001, it acted as a strong sign of regional leadership in development. This was reaffirmed through the adoption of the Agenda 2063. The role of the African Union, regional economic communities, and sub-regional organizations has been indispensable. They have acted as the engine rooms of progress in sustainable development, as well as in building African capacities in peace and security.
We have also seen many exciting developments at the national-level. There are ongoing efforts to integrate the goals and targets of international and regional frameworks into national development plans. African countries are also building their capacities for domestic resource mobilization, and tackling illicit financial flows.
However, in an increasingly globalized world, no one country, or region, can go it alone. The efforts taking place within Africa need to be supported by a revitalized partnership for development. We need closer partnerships between Africa and its development partners, including United Nations bodies and Member States. Official Development Assistance and other commitments are crucial to enhance finance, technology transfer and market access. Moreover, investment must be incentivized at the national, regional and international levels.
Africa has a very clear vision. It is one which involves all layers of society benefiting from growth and development.
Third, as we have heard this week, development in Africa can never be seen as a standalone activity.
No support we give to the New Partnership for Africa’s Development will bring about lasting change, if we do not also address the root causes of conflict. Similarly, we cannot look at how to prevent societies turning to violence, without addressing many of the core priorities of NEPAD.
This is why today’s joint debate is so important. It deals with issues, which are different but closely linked. This reflects reality for many people.
Yes, sustainable and inclusive development will improve whole societies. But the signing of a trade agreement will mean little to a mother whose young child is very sick from malaria. Similarly, foreign direct investment is not on the mind of someone who is running from a shower of bullets.
Excellencies, dear colleagues,
Africa has a very clear vision.
It is one which involves all layers of society benefiting from growth and development. One in which malaria or other diseases do not serve as death sentences for hundreds of thousands of people every year. One in which early warning signs of conflict lead more often to successful mediation than to violence. One in which institutions are strong, women and youth both lead and participate, and good governance is the norm.
The vision is getting closer to reality. This week, and today’s debate, allow us to take another step in the right direction.
I thank you.
