The Secretary-General -- Message on the occasion of Africa Day 2024

Download logoOn Africa Day, we celebrate this dynamic and diverse continent and the contributions of Africans to our world. The continents young and growing population, its rich natural resources, its breathtaking beauty and cultural diversity give it outsize potential.Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area and the African Unions Agenda 2063, along with Africas growing voice, including leadership in renewable energy, can help realize that potential.But a bright future for Africas 1.2 billion people means addressing the challenges blocking Africas progressfrom the effects of climate change, to deadly conflicts and unconstitutional changes of government, to hunger, poverty, inequality and crushing debt burdens.We need to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals. This will require, among other actions, that we reform the international financial architecture so developing countries can access the resources they will need to invest in the future of their peopleincluding strengthening education systems, this years African Union theme.We must work side by side with Africa to build green economies anchored in renewable energy, and ensure that the continents critical mineral resources benefit Africans first and foremost.We must strengthen our collaboration to safeguard human rights, counter terrorism and violent extremism, andfinallysilence the guns across Africa. The UN Security Councils recent resolution to support African-led peace operations is an important step. Throughout, Africa must have a seat at every multilateral forumincluding the UN Security Council, the international financial system, and other global norm-setting structures. Septembers Summit of the Future in New York will be a moment to create momentum and progress. On Africa Day, lets renew our pledge to stand with all Africans in their quest to lead their continentand our worldinto a peaceful and prosperous future for all.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations In Egypt.
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