16 October 2014
AU, UN Leaders Support African Development Priorities
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African Union (AU) and UN leaders discussed the future development agenda for Africa in a high-level discussion on 'The Africa We Want: Support of the UN Systems to the African Union's Agenda 2063.' The discussion focused on Africa's development priorities, the support of the UN system, and the post-2015 development agenda.

unga6913 October 2014: African Union (AU) and UN leaders discussed the future development agenda for Africa in a high-level discussion on ‘The Africa We Want: Support of the UN Systems to the African Union’s Agenda 2063.’ The discussion focused on Africa’s development priorities, the support of the UN system, and the post-2015 development agenda.

The panel, held in New York, US, on 13 October 2014, kicked off Africa Week at UN Headquarters, during which the UN General Assembly holds its annual consideration of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), inter alia.

Maged Abdelaziz, UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa, welcomed the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063, a 50-year development agenda that prioritizes: inclusive growth and sustainable development; an integrated continent; good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law; peace and security; a strong cultural identity; people-driven development, especially for women and youth; and Africa as a united and influential global partner. The Agenda is to be approved by the AU in January 2015. Abdelaziz said the agenda will play an important role for the next generation of Africans, and pledged an intensification of UN support to the agenda.

Sam Kutesa, UNGA President, said Africa faces many challenges despite its impressive growth rates. He called for African countries to take control of their own destinies, and welcomed the integration of African priorities into the global post-2015 development agenda.

Jan Eliasson, UN Deputy-Secretary-General, welcomed the “commendable momentum and focus” of African leaders, who articulated the needs and priorities of their citizens in Agenda 2063. He addressed the Ebola crisis, which threatens to jeopardize economic and political gains in some African countries. Reaffirming UN support to implement the Agenda 2063, he said, “Your vision is our vision, and your success is our success.”

Presentations followed by: Smail Chergui, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security; Anthony Mothae Maruping, AU Commissioner for Economic Affairs; Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, CEO of the NEPAD Planning and Coordination Agency, and Interim CEO of the African Peer Review Mechanism Secretariat; and Fatuma Ndangiza Nyirakobwa, Chairperson of the African Peer Review Panel of Eminent Persons.

Speakers emphasized that the Agenda was crafted through a bottom-up process, with numerous civil society consultations and inputs. Chergui called for a “paradigm shift” in interactions between the AU and the UN, accounting for shifts in global world power, the importance of regional organizations, and a respect for African ownership and priority-setting. Other panelists appealed to UN Member States for support and implementation. Speakers also compared Agenda 2063 with the post-2015 development agenda, and the AU Common African Position on Post-2015 (CAP), saying that the elements of alignment are the most important. The narrative of “Africa rising,” said Nyirakobwa, must be complemented with poverty reduction, skills for young people, and well-functioning institutions.

Amina Mohammed, UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Post-2015 Development Planning, spoke of the overlap between Agenda 2063 and the UN’s post-2015 development agenda, and said when goals are communicated with clarity, leaders can incorporate them into their political agendas to encourage investment.

During the interactive discussion, Member State representatives asked questions about the role of the African Diaspora, consolidating numerous development plans, measuring progress, and Africa’s relationship with international partners. [UN Press Release] [Publication: Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, Popular Version] [UNGA President’s Statement] [Deputy Secretary-General’s Statement] [IISD RS Sources]

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