5th Annual Conference of UN Water Africa: opening statement by Abdoulie Janneh, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 18 July 2007

Abstract

This Opening Statement by Abdoulie Janneh, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA on 5th Annual Conference of UN Water Africa. Executive Secretary of ECA on his statement said that, as you discuss ways and means of addressing Africa’s water challenges at this meeting, I would urge that you place the whole issue of water in the context of its importance for the security of human lives and livelihoods. Security of water should be seen to encompass its role as an instrument for social investment, a factor of production, and for mitigating economic and human losses. It is against this background that this group should be commended for its role in the development and advocacy of the African Water Vision 2025. Africa’s collective capacity to cope, and more importantly, adapt to the challenges in these areas will depend almost entirely on how we cooperate as sub-regions, countries, communities and individuals to manage our water resources at all levels to attain water security in all its ramifications. In recognition of the role water can play in Africa’s economic integration, your Secretariat is now situated within ECA’s NEPAD, Regional Integration and Infrastructure Division. Finally he pledge ECA’s continued support to enable your group to succeed in the pioneering role as a model of Inter-Agency Coherence and Synergy.