Meeting with African Ambassadors in Geneva: Statement by Carlos Lopes ECA Executive Secretary and UN Under-Secretary General

Abstract

This Statement delivered by Carlos Lopes ECA Executive Secretary and UN Under-Secretary General at the Meeting with African Ambassadors in Geneva. Mr. Lopes, on his remarks highlighted that, our commitment as Africans to achieving a well-functioning, equitable and rules based multilateral trading system is firm. However, we also need to stress that results cannot be achieved at any cost for Africa. Achieving concrete results in agriculture is critical not only to fulfil the Doha mandate and unlock this main “gateway issue”, but more fundamentally because the development of African economies cannot overlook a sector which employs two thirds of our labor force, and plays a pivotal role for food security, and poverty eradication. The international environment and the “rules of the game” definitely have to take into account Africa’s needs and development priorities; and we trust you will do your utmost and best to achieve this result. The challenge ahead of us is to be at the same time a team of bold and strategic trade negotiators, well-prepared and creative policy-makers, and meticulous executors.