A Continent of Hope

[Elisabeth Janaina]

A Continent of Hope

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By António Guterres

Far too often, the world views Africa through the prism of problems.
When I look to Africa, I see a continent of hope, promise and vast
potential.

I am committed to building on those strengths and establishing a
higher platform of cooperation between the United Nations and the
leaders and people of Africa. This is essential to advancing inclusive
and sustainable development and deepening cooperation for peace and
security.

That is the message I carried to the recent African Union Summit in
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — my first major mission as United Nations
Secretary-General.

Above all, I came in a spirit of profound solidarity and respect. I am
convinced that the world has much to gain from African wisdom, ideas
and solutions.

I also brought with me a deep sense of gratitude. Africa provides the
majority of United Nations peacekeepers around the world. African
nations are among the world’s largest and most generous hosts of
refugees. Africa includes some of the world’s fastest growing
economies.

The recent resolution of the political crisis in the Gambia once again
demonstrated the power of African leadership and unity to overcome
governance challenges and uphold democracy, human rights and the rule
of law.

I left the Summit more convinced than ever that all of humanity will
benefit by listening, learning and working with the people of Africa.

We have the plans in place to build a better future. The international
community has entered the second year of implementing the 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development, an all-out effort to tackle global
poverty, inequality, instability and injustice. Africa has adopted its
own complementary and ambitious plan: Agenda 2063.

For the people of Africa to fully benefit from these important
efforts, these two agendas need to be strategically aligned.

It starts with prevention. Our world needs to move from managing
crises to preventing them in the first place. We need to break the
cycle of responding too late and too little.

Most of today’s conflicts are internal, triggered by competition for
power and resources, inequality, marginalization and sectarian
divides. Often, they are inflamed by violent extremism or provide the
fuel for it.

The United Nations is committed to working hand-in-hand with partners
wherever conflict or the threat of conflict endangers stability and
well-being.

But prevention goes far beyond focusing solely on conflict. The best
means of prevention and the surest path to durable peace is inclusive
and sustainable development.

We can speed progress by doing more to provide opportunities and hope
to young people. More than three out of five Africans are under 35
years of age. Making the most of this tremendous asset means more
investment in education, training, decent work, and engaging young
people in shaping their future.

We must also do our utmost to empower women so they can play a full
role in sustainable development and sustainable peace. I am pleased
that the African Union has consistently placed a special focus on
gender equality and women’s empowerment.

I have seen it again and again: When we empower women, we empower the world.

I travelled to Africa as a partner, friend and committed advocate for
changing the narrative about this diverse and vital continent. Crises
represent at best a partial view. But from a higher platform of
cooperation, we can see the whole picture – one that spotlights the
enormous potential and remarkable success stories in every corner of
the African continent.

With that perspective, I have no doubt we can win the battle for
sustainable and inclusive development which are also the best weapons
to prevent conflict and suffering, allowing Africa to shine even more
vibrantly and inspire the world.

António Guterres is Secretary-General of the United Nations