Inclusive, Sustainable Development ‘Key Driver’ to Realizing 2030 Agenda, Secretary-General Says in Message for Africa Industrialization Day

Following is UN Secretary‑General António Guterres’ message for Africa Industrialization Day, observed on 20 November:

Inclusive and sustainable industrial development is critical for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Africa.  It generates jobs, reduces poverty, hunger and inequality, empowers women, expands opportunities for young people, while also improving health, safeguarding the environment and tackling climate change.

This year’s Africa Industrialization Day focuses on promoting regional value chains and underscores how industrial development in local pharmaceutical production contributes to healthy lives and well‑being.  The development of a competitive and sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Africa can help promote better health and well‑being and sustainable economic growth.  The availability of high quality and affordable medicines can alleviate serious public health issues, while the local production, export, and distribution across regions benefit the creation of jobs and income.

Responding to the needs of the African continent requires strategic partnerships, particularly with the private sector, to promote regional value chains, ensure investments, and enhance access to know‑how and technologies.  On Africa Industrialization Day, I reaffirm the strong commitment of the United Nations, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in particular, to strongly promote Africa’s industrial development as a key driver for realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.