Third Meeting of the Committee on Sustainable Development (CSD3): opening statement K.Y. Amoako, executive secretary of the economic commission for Africa (ECA)

Abstract

Opening Statement K.Y. Amoako, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) at the Third Meeting of the Committee on Sustainable Development (CSD3). Mr. Amoako, on his remarks pointed that, the overall theme of this meeting: "Making Technology Work for the Poor", stems from a common observation that "technology is power" and that it should benefit all stakeholders, including the poor in particular. At ECA, sustainable development is defined as the merger of human well-being and natural resource stewardship. It means development that is scientifically valid, economically feasible, environmentally friendly and socially acceptable and manageable. In that context, we have developed an index that jointly measures the economic, environmental and institutional sustainability of African countries. Many challenges still remain in Africa's learning curve: How to develop the human resources, science and technology, infrastructure, institutions and policies necessary to drive the sustainable development process. And on the social side, And on the social side, how to tackle the issues of governance, conflict, equity, gender, land policy, health and regional integration that may hinder or enhance Africa's sustainable development.