14th Session of the Regional Coordination Mechanism for Africa (RCM-Africa) of United Nations agencies and organizations working in Africa in support of the African Union and the NEPAD programmeTheme: United Nations Support to "Agenda 2063" welcome remarks Welcome Remarks by Carlos Lopes UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA

Abstract

This Welcome Remarks delivered by Carlos Lopes UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA at the 14th Session of the Regional Coordination Mechanism for Africa (RCM-Africa) of United Nations agencies and organizations working in Africa in support of the African Union and the NEPAD programme. Mr. Lopes, on his remarks highlighted that, has become particularly apt now because Africa, the continent with the youngest population in the world, is clamoring for more. The onus then is on key actors to go both “fast and far” to make the most of the immense opportunities offered by the continent’s human and natural resources. The RCM is particularly important from the perspective of the UN in its quest to forge greater coherence in supporting regional and sub-regional programmes and projects. the imperative of framing African Development Goals as an integral part of AU Agenda 2063. Much of the original operational context and landscape has changed since the establishment of this programme in 2006 and the first review in 2009. It would be accordingly important to assess how the current context may require a completely novel approach that fits into the AU institutional architecture and priorities.