Statement by Mr. Carlos Lopes, UN Under- Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA: Africa regional consultative meeting on the sustainable development goals ministerial segment

Abstract

Statement by Mr. Carlos Lopes, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA at Africa Regional Consultative Meeting on the Sustainable Development Goals Ministerial Segment. Mr. Lopes on his remarks highlighted that, as we embark on a pathway for Africa’s transformation, our challenge is to define solutions that do justice to the inter-generational social contract that defines our goals. Our actions are being watched by the younger generation already. Africa is on a promising pathway. It has defied the naysayers who predicted it would spiral downwards into further conflict and insecurity as a result of poverty and privation. Over the last decade, Africa has experienced fast economic growth, improved governance, less people affected by complex conflicts and humanitarian crisis. It is important to ensure that the outcome of consultations is favorable to Africa’s development aspirations. Beyond the adoption of SDGs at the global level, sound and dynamic national development policies and planning will be indispensable to the realization of the continent’s goals.