Statement by Mr. Carlos Lopes at the Africa media leaders forum

Abstract

Statement by Mr. Carlos Lopes, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA at the Africa Media Leaders Forum. Mr. Lopes, on his remarks highlighted that, It is now time to turn a new page and tell the complete and true stories of our continent. We must look to promote the rich, multiple narratives of the African experience, past and present. Failure to do so will result in the continuation of negative and derogatory narratives about Africa that are dictated and written mostly by others, but surprisingly sometimes by Africans as well. Africa’s new narrative must focus on the transformative agenda and the realities of a growing continent. We now live in an information age, where the capacity to acquire and communicate knowledge is the very foundation of economic growth and development. That is why this Forum is of paramount importance.