Good governance the single most important issue for Africa's future, says UN secretary-general as ECA/UNDP forum opens

Abstract

There is no single issue of greater importance to the economic and political future of Africa than good governance, and it must command the "full and lasting attention" of Africans, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan declared. In the statement stated that good governance was a key condition for sustainable development. Good governance promotes the most salient features of a free and prosperous society: social justice, transparency, accountability in the management of public affairs. Africa was entering a "new wave of progress", based on peace, democracy, human rights, and sustainable development. These four pillars, formed the "pillars of good governance".