Yokohama: The UN Secretary-General reiterated his call for Africa to have a greater say in decisions that affect its future during a conference in Japan centered on the continent’s development.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Secretary-General delivered his remarks at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama, emphasizing that Africa, with its youthful population, abundant natural resources, and entrepreneurial spirit, is on the brink of significant progress. He noted the conference’s theme, “Co-Create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” underscoring the role these strengths can play in shaping a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world both within Africa and globally.
Guterres identified five key areas for cooperation, starting with a push to reform global governance institutions to better reflect current realities. He stressed that Africa must have a stronger voice in shaping its future, particularly highlighting the need for Security Council reform, where Africa currently lacks a permanent seat and other regions remain underrepresented.
The Secretary-General also advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of the international financial system, labeling the existing framework as ‘unjust and unfair,’ while calling for bold measures on debt relief. He spotlighted sustainable investment in global value chains and regional integration as crucial for Africa’s prosperity, emphasizing the need to add value to raw materials, create decent jobs, and build resilience through the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He addressed the ‘energy paradox’ on the continent, noting Africa’s significant potential to produce renewable energy despite receiving only two percent of global investment in the sector. Guterres pointed out that 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity and stressed that countries hosting critical minerals should be the primary beneficiaries of their resources.
Guterres also highlighted the potential of digital innovation, including artificial intelligence, for development. He suggested that Japan’s technological expertise could help bridge the digital divide and support African countries in developing adequate digital infrastructure.
Focusing on youth, Guterres emphasized investing in skills and education, particularly in STEM fields, and advocated for women’s full participation in economies, societies, and political systems.
The Secretary-General concluded by linking peace with prosperity, stating that sustainable development requires sustainable peace. He called for an end to violence and efforts to strengthen social cohesion to attract investment and business to Africa.
The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) is co-hosted by Japan, the UN, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the African Union Commission (AUC), and runs from August 20-23.