African Countries Leading ‘Build Forward Better’ Effort by Strengthening Regional Integration, Deputy Secretary-General Tells London School of Economics Summit

Following is the text of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s video message for the London School of Economics (LSE) 2022Africa Summit, in London today:

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to join the opening of the eighth Africa Summit of the LSE.

As we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the interlinkages between peace, health and development are clearer than ever.  The pandemic has cost us countless lives, upended livelihoods and thrown us even further off track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

It has also exposed the inequity inherent in our global financial architecture, pushing African countries further into debt and severely limiting the fiscal space available to respond to the pandemic.

Add to this the mounting geopolitical tensions and rising food and energy prices due to the conflict in Ukraine and it can be easy to despair.  Some have even suggested that multilateralism is on its deathbed.  But, I remain hopeful.  We have a clear path out of this crisis.

Last year, the Secretary-General published Our Common Agenda, which outlines his vision for the future of global cooperation founded on a more inclusive, networked and effective multilateralism.  It also proposes a New Agenda for Peace, to update and keep the pledge enshrined in the United Nations Charter to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.

To do so, the Secretary-General has called for action across three key areas.  First, in renewing solidarity between peoples and future generations.  Second, by pursuing a new social contract anchored in human rights.  And third, by improving the management of our global commons and ensuring equal access to global public goods.  Guided by Our Common Agenda, we also have an opportunity to restore global solidarity, turbo-charge action to meet the [Sustainable Development] Goals by 2030 and achieve a greener, safer and more equitable world.

As we build forward better, African countries are leading the way, strengthening regional integration and building a more prosperous, resilient and sustainable future.  Last year, a key milestone was achieved with the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area that will take us closer to realizing the vision set out by African leaders in Agenda 2063 of “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa”.

I trust that this Summit will contribute to this vision and wish you successful discussions.  Thank you.