Opening statement by James Gustave Speth the administrator of the United Nations Development Programme

Abstract

This opening statement delivered By James Gustave Speth. The Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development. Mr. Speth, on his remarks highlighted that, we are conscious, meeting in Tokyo today, that the world is at a crossroads. Either we can continue to allow economic crisis to threaten the development achievements of many decades, or we can - strengthen our commitment to sustainable human development. We can allow ourselves to reduce development cooperation, or increase our support to the eradication of extreme poverty. Based on the principles adopted in TrCAD I, the preparatory process of TICAD II stressed private sector involvement. The Government of Japan, UNDP, the United Nations Office of the Special Coordinator for Africa and the Least Developed Countries (OSCAL), other United Nations programmes, and the Global Coalition for Africa, together supported a series of activities for public private cooperation. The United Nations is ready, willing and able to help move the TICAD II agenda forward rapidly. At the highest levels, we have the new Agenda for the Development of Africa (UN NADAF) recently reviewed and reaffirmed by the General Assembly.