The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, says Africa must have a seat at every multilateral forum, including the UN Security Council, the international financial system, and other global norm-setting structures.

He made this known on Saturday in his message on 2024 Africa Day, which is observed annually to celebrate the achievements of the Organisation of African Unity, the African Union’s predecessor.

The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century.”

Mr Guterres lauded the dynamic contributions of Africans to the world, noting that the continent’s young and growing population, rich natural resources, breathtaking beauty and cultural diversity gave it outsize potential.

According to him, initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and Africa’s growing voice, including leadership in renewable energy, can help realise its potential.

He said a bright future for Africa’s 1.2 billion people meant addressing the challenges blocking its progress.

These, he said, include the effects of climate change, deadly conflicts and unconstitutional changes in government, hunger, poverty, inequality and crushing debt burdens.

“We must work side by side with Africa to build green economies anchored in renewable energy and ensure that the continent’s critical mineral resources benefit Africans first and foremost.

“We must strengthen our collaboration to safeguard human rights, counter-terrorism and violent extremism, and finally, silence the guns across Africa.

“The UN Security Council’s recent resolution to support African-led peace operations is an important step,” he said.

Mr Guterres said rescuing the sustainable development goals would require reforming the international financial architecture so that developing countries could access the resources needed to invest in their people’s future.

“On Africa Day, let’s renew our pledge to stand with all Africans in their quest to lead their continent and our world into a peaceful and prosperous future for all.” 

(NAN)