The new secretary-general of the United Nations, António Guterres, has expressed his hopeful optimism for Africa in a recent address at the African Union Summit. He spoke of the continent's promise and vast potential: "I am convinced that the world has much to gain from African wisdom, ideas and solutions."
He said he also brought with him "a deep sense of gratitude" for Africa's humanity. "Africa provides the majority of United Nations peacekeepers around the world. African nations are among the world's largest and most generous hosts of refugees. Africa includes some of the world's fastest growing economies."
He paid tribute to African leaders who brought about the speedy resolution of the political crisis in Gambia, without bloodshed, upholding democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
It's all about the sustainable development goals now - and the UN is hoping to strategically align its 2030 goals with those of the African Union, which has adopted a complementary and ambitious plan: Agenda 2063. "I have no doubt we can win the battle for sustainable and inclusive development which are also the best weapons to prevent conflict and suffering."
Have a great week!
Louise Marsland
Africa Editor: Bizcommunity.comComment online in our ed's column archive. Go mobile with apps and m.bizcommunity.com. Engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+. Subscribe to YouTube and via RSS. Send all your African marketing and media news and event invitations to africanews@bizcommunity.com, exclusive opinion pieces to contributors-africa@bizcommunity.com and international news to internationalnews@bizcommunity.com. Read "How to contribute to Biz, from op-ed pieces to news".
