UN Marks Africa Day

On the occasion of Africa Day, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a message calling for action to support the African continent.

In his message, Guterres said: "We mark Africa Day at a time when cooperation and solidarity to advance the continent’s future is more needed than ever."

He continued: "The African Union has designated 2023 the year of the African Continental Free Trade Area. When fully established, the world’s largest single market could lift 50 million people out of extreme poverty by 2035, driving progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063."

"Currently, historic and economic injustices hamper its progress. Multiple crises – from COVID to climate and conflict – continue to cause great suffering across the continent. African countries are underrepresented in global governance institutions, from the Security Council to the Bretton Woods System, and denied the debt relief and concessional funding they need," he pointed out.

To address these challenges, the UN Chief also urged the international community to stand with Africa.

He also said that he looks forward to African governments continuing to seize the opportunities presented by the continent’s natural, human, and entrepreneurial richness, by working to increase private investment and raise resources at home.

Guterres indicated the continent should be represented at the highest level of the international financial system. Multilateral Development Banks should transform their business models and leverage funds to attract massive private finance at a reasonable cost to developing countries.

He also emphasized the need for massive investments in adaptation and resilience, particularly in the most African countries, calling on developed countries to provide the support they have promised for action on climate change and go further as well as support efforts to silence the guns across the continent.

Guterres concluded his statement by reaffirming the United Nations' commitment to advancing peace, sustainable development, and human rights for the people of Africa.