Opening statement: fifth meeting of the Africa committee on sustainable development (ACSD-5)-regional implementation meeting (RIM) for CSD-16

Abstract

This opening statement delivered by Mr. Josué Dioné Director, Food Security and Sustainable Development Division, Economic Commission for Africa at the Fifth Meeting of the Africa Committee on Sustainable Development (ACSD-5)/Regional Implementation Meeting (RIM) for CSD-16. Mr. Dioné, Poverty eradication is the greatest challenge facing Africa and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. While national governments continue to shoulder the primary responsibility for fighting poverty in their respective countries, concerted efforts are required at the regional and global levels to enable Africa achieve its poverty-related targets. To address the challenges of Africa's sustainable development in a way that provides employment and improves living standards for the majority of the people, we must, therefore, adopt an integrated approach. The work of the United Nations Millennium Task Force shows that no “silver bullet” exists to reach any individual target, let alone the whole set of MDGs. Combating desertification in Africa has tremendous benefits in enhancing the continent's progress towards meeting the MDGs, particularly in terms of eradicating poverty, attaining food security, fighting diseases and ensuring environmental sustainability.