Tanzania’s Vice-President, Deogratius Ndejembi, has urged world leaders to step up efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), citing his country’s progress. Mr Ndejembi, in his statement at the ongoing General Debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, called for better project execution, ensuring that every cent invested delivers results.

He said the country had made strides in implementing the 2030 Agenda, with investments in its people, productive infrastructure, technology and innovation. But “these ambitions may not be realised if the international financial architecture is not made to work for development”, due to high borrowing costs, rising debt burdens, and limited access to affordable long-term finance.

He said, “Unjustifiable obstacles, mainly from those contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, continue to face his country’s efforts to combat climate change. This includes withdrawal of financial contributions supporting climate adaptation measures and initiatives by international and regional institutions, and individual states.”

Mr Ndejembi, however, called for prioritising delivery on climate action pledges by increasing long-term concessional financing, developing new technology, and pursuing a just energy transition through a national renewable energy strategy, including hydro, solar, geothermal, and wind power projects.

Meanwhile, Angola’s President João Lourenço has condemned terror attacks in a statement.

Noting its impact on global peace and development, he said, “This year’s UNGA session takes place 25 years after the terrorist act that destroyed the Twin Towers in New York. In addition to terrorism, which remains active particularly in Africa, the situation of global peace and security has been worsening year after year.”

“Over the years, Angola has sought to make its contribution to the building and consolidation of peace in Africa and in the world,” he stated, highlighting several initiatives undertaken in Africa. “My country takes seriously our commitment to matters concerning peace, conflict resolution through dialogue.”

He restated that Angola’s paradigm shift toward peacebuilding initiatives is based on the search for realistic and sustainable solutions: African solutions for African conflicts. This UNGA session is especially significant for Angola, as it takes place in the year of its 50th admission to the UN. 

“At that time, it was a historic achievement for the Angolan people. Attempts to dominate entire countries and regions of the globe by force of arms are leading the world towards catastrophe. Today, we live in an environment of global anarchy in which the use of force prevails over the force of reason and law,” he said.

(NAN)