Antonio Guterres also argued that, over the past 20 years, the African Union (AU) “has helped to bring this hope to life, to enable the continent to realize its enormous potential.”

The UN chief addressed the 35th Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government, which is taking place in Addis Ababa this weekend, via a video message.

He is represented in the Ethiopian capital by the Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammad.

Partnership

According to Mr. Guterres, the collaboration between the UN and the AU “is stronger than ever”, with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 (Africa’s blueprint for a peaceful, integrated and more prosperous continent) as central pillars.

The Secretary-General argued that “injustice is deeply embedded in global systems,” but it is Africans who “pay the heaviest price.”

He recalled that the vaccination rate in high-income countries is seven times higher than in Africa and said that “a morally bankrupt global financial system has failed the countries of the South”.

“The unethical inequalities that suffocate Africa, fuel armed conflict, political, economic, ethnic and social tensions, human rights violations, violence against women, terrorism, military coups and a sense of impunity,” he continued.

Because of this, Mr. Guterres said, tens of millions of people are displaced across the continent and democratic institutions are in jeopardy.

The Secretary-General then offered the support of the UN to ignite “four engines of recovery”.

Vaccination

First, he said, everyone needs to get vaccinated.

In this regard, he highlighted the African Vaccine Acquisition Task Force (AVATT) and the benefits that will accrue from increased vaccine production in South Africa and other African countries.

“I urge you to create the conditions for the number of African countries capable of producing tests, vaccines and treatments to multiply, in particular by addressing intellectual property issues and providing the necessary technical and financial means”, did he declare.

Reform the financial system

Second, Mr. Guterres said that member states must ignite the engine of economic recovery by reforming the global financial system.

“But the game is stacked against Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa faces cumulative per capita economic growth over the next five years that is 75% lower than the rest of the world“, he said.

He called for the redirection of special drawing rights – a IMF-created a reserve currency asset – to countries that need support now, reform of the international debt architecture and more concessional forms of financing.

Green recovery

Third, the UN chief highlighted a green recovery across the continent.

The vast continent contributes just 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet many of the worst impacts of climate change are being felt there.

“Faced with the tragic reality of today, we need a radical boost in funding for adaptation and mitigation on the continentsaid Mr. Guterres.

According to him, the commitment of COP26 in Glasgow to double funding for adaptation, from 20 billion dollars, must be implemented, but it is not enough.

He called on wealthier countries to meet the $100 billion climate finance pledge to developing countries, starting this year, and to hold private sector partners to account who have also made commitments.

“We are in emergency mode, and we need everyone on deck,” he said, pointing to the upcoming UN Climate Conference (COP27), which will take place later this year. in Egypt, as “a critical opportunity for Africa and our world”.

Peace

Finally, the UN chief said that peace across the continent can also work as an engine for recovery.

In the multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural states of Africa, Mr. Guterres believes that an organization like the The African Union “is about showing how people can co-exist – even thrive – working together.”

According to him, this requires “inclusive and participatory structures” and therefore member states must make them a reality through good governance.

Especially for young Africans, Mr. Guterres added, who need more connectivity to access information, benefit from faster communication, better education and jobs.