INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MUST SUPPORT, SUSTAIN AFRICA'S EFFORTS, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL ON AFRICA INDUSTRIALIZATION DAY

Press Release
SG/SM/5815

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MUST SUPPORT, SUSTAIN AFRICA'S EFFORTS, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL ON AFRICA INDUSTRIALIZATION DAY

Following is the statement of Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali on the occasion of Africa Industrialization Day delivered at Headquarters on 20 November:

Each year, on 20 November, we celebrate Africa Industrialization Day. This is the day when our thoughts turn to Africa and its progress on the path to industrialization. I am pleased to take part in the celebration of this Day, and I have always attached the highest importance to the development of Africa.

Over the past years, we have had ample opportunity to take stock of the critical situation in Africa. We know about the many problems confronting Africa today. We need to act in concert, in the spirit of true partnership, if we are to move ahead in addressing these problems. Africans are primarily responsible for their own development. But the international community bears a clear responsibility in supporting and sustaining their efforts at helping themselves. Together, we must take action on many fronts if we are to succeed.

During the substantive session of the Economic and Social Council in Geneva last summer, I spoke of the urgent need for the United Nations system to move simultaneously in several directions. Firstly, we must strengthen regional institutions and promote intensified regional cooperation. Secondly, we must help African countries diversify their economies, particularly in the aftermath of the Uruguay Round trade agreements. Thirdly, we must deal with the problem of African debt. Fourthly, we must help African countries establish effective social institutions. Finally, it is essential for the United Nations system to support the efforts of African countries to improve public education and vocational training. Africa's population, equipped with the proper skills and knowledge, is the driving force of development.

This is why I am particularly delighted that the theme of this year's Africa Industrialization Day is human resource development. Investing in people is investing in the future. It is an investment that yields returns far beyond its initial cost. Training opens the door to a better, brighter and more dignified future.

- 2 - Press Release SG/SM/5815 20 November 1995

The United Nations system has been at the forefront of international efforts to develop the human resources of Africa. Within their respective mandates, the various funds, programmes and specialized agencies have all made substantial contributions to these efforts. Here I would like to note in particular, the close collaboration among the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the Economic Commission for Africa and the Organization of African Unity in supporting industry-specific training and educational programmes in Africa. These organizations have effectively carried out training to upgrade technical and entrepreneurial skills and know- how among Africans in various branches of industry. Through these programmes, they have helped create jobs, raised incomes and improved the productivity of industry in the continent. On this note, I would also like to mention a special initiative I recently launched at the Administrative Committee on Coordination on the development of Africa, a main aim of which is to build both human and institutional capacities in the continent.

The celebration of Africa Industrialization Day should impart fresh impetus to the efforts of Africans to push ahead despite the difficulties. For those of us in the United Nations system, this Day should be a tangible reminder of the need to redouble our efforts and to do an even better job of assisting Africa. And for the larger community of nations, let this Day be marked with renewed resolve to help Africa fulfil its hopes and dreams for a brighter future.

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