Keynote address by K.Y.Amoako, UN under-secretary-general, executive secretary: "a coalition for Good: the UN system-wide special initiative on Africa"

Abstract

Keynote address by K.Y.Amoako, UN Under-Secretary-General, Executive Secretary, Economic Commission for Africa at the "A Coalition for Good: The UN System-wide Special Initiative on Africa". Mr. Janneh, on his remarks highlighted that, The Africa of today is dynamic: many countries are progressing, but some are not. We see a differentiating Africa, an Africa which is not so easy to characterize since averages tend to hide reality. If ending poverty is the first challenge in our development, then sustainable development is the second challenge. The nexus of high population growth rates, an extensive rather than intensive agricultural system, and an imperiled environment are creating havoc with Africa's prospects. As its overly long name indicates, the Special Initiative is System-wide. UN Historians tell us it is the largest set of coordinated obligations ever undertaken by the UN system as a whole. Some of you no doubt recall that the UN has had development director generals in the past. But in the UN system where power is so diffused, the key point is to have actions agreed by all the independent agency heads, as well as the head of the UN Secretariat, the Secretary General.