The Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8) highlighted the importance of achieving “human security” in Africa by realizing structural transformation for sustainable economic growth and social development, a resilient and sustainable society, and sustainable peace and stability.
The conference convened in Tunis, Tunisia, from 27-28 August 2022, at the level of Heads of State and Government.
Its outcome document, ‘TICAD8 Tunis Declaration,’ highlights the importance of investing in people to promote human security, which “will enhance the significant potential of Africa as a driving force of global growth.” The declaration underscores the need to address the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing socio-political and environmental crises by advancing action under three pillars:
- Realizing structural transformation for sustainable economic growth and social development, including by: promoting private sector investment in Africa; public-private partnerships (PPPs) like the Japan Business Council for Africa and the Japan-Africa Infrastructure Development Association; addressing Africa’s climate vulnerabilities; supporting Africa’s economic resilience; and attracting sound development finance;
- Realizing a resilient and sustainable society, to be characterized by human security and achievement of the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063 and the SDGs; and
- Realizing sustainable peace and stability, by, among other actions, promoting good governance, democracy, and the rule of law.
The declaration notes that the Yokohama Plan of Actions 2019 will be updated and reframed as TICAD8 Tunis Plan of Actions, in alignment with African and international frameworks such as Agenda 2063 and the SDGs.
Addressing TICAD8 during the opening, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed stressed that while the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 represent “the blueprint to achieve sustainable development on the continent,” “our collective efforts to achieve the SDGs” are compromised by the “perfect storm” of crises. She warned that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the impacts of the war in Ukraine, the climate emergency, and the financial crisis are creating “a fertile breeding ground” for conflict and unrest, “placing already vulnerable populations under extreme stress.”
Mohammed called for accelerating action across three main transitions, with Japan being “a key player”: ensuring universal energy access and a just and equitable transition to renewable energy; transforming our food systems; and addressing inequality and its underlying factors.
Elaborating on the value of the human security approach during a dedicated session, Mohammed encouraged: 1) applying the human security lens to implementing Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda; 2) delivering a data revolution by going beyond gross domestic product (GDP) and exploring the development of a multidimensional vulnerability index (MVI); 3) using people-oriented and people-centred approaches; 4) initiating a reset of the current responses to preventing and exiting conflict; and 5) paying greater attention to digital threats while finding ways to use technology to serve people.
Led by the Government of Japan since 1993 to promote “African development for African people,” the conference is co-hosted by the UN, UN Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank, and African Union Commission (AUC). It provides a platform to mobilize support for Africa’s development. [TICAD8 Website] [TICAD8 Updates] [UN News Story] [UNDP News Story]