2 October 2012: The UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) has called on all stakeholders in Africa’s development to participate fully in current discussions on the post-2015 development agenda, especially in relation to Africa and its priorities.Speaking on 1 October 2012 at the at the opening of the sub-regional consultations on the post-2015 development agenda held in Mombasa, Kenya, Beatrice Kiraso, Director of UNECA’s sub regional office for Southern Africa, was presenting a speech prepared by Emmanuel Nnadozie, Director of UNECA’s Economic Development and New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Division. Kiraso noted the need for the African region to be directly involved in the debate, stressing that the consultation process is “an opportunity to shape the agenda instead of being shaped by it.” She further urged African experts to ensure effective communication of the key messages resulting from the consultation process to the international community.

Also speaking at the consultations, Isatou Gaye, Chief of the Environment and Sustainable Development Section at UNECA, called on governments and development planners to establish a single development framework in Africa by integrating the sustainable development goals (SDGs) into the post-2015 development agenda. She underlined the importance of such a single framework, stating that it would help Africa avoid duplication and waste of resources, stressing that the region cannot afford parallel processes considering its capacity challenges. Gaye added that the outcome document of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20), titled “The Future we Want,” largely reflects Africa’s priorities and concerns as agreed by African Heads of State and contained in the region’s “Common Position for Rio+20.” [UNECA Press Release, 1 October 2012] [UNECA Press Release, 2 October 2012]