Speech prepared for delivery at the Launch of the African Union Green Recovery Action Plan by the African Union Commission
H.E. Felix Tshisekedi, Chairperson of the Africa Union and President of the Democratic Republic of Congo
H.E. Moussa Faki, Chairperson of the African Union Commission
Madame Commissioner Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union Commission
Excellencies, Heads of States and Government Ministers.
I send you greetings from the United Nations Environment Programme, located in the UN’s only headquarters in the global south, in Nairobi, Kenya. It is a great honour to address this important meeting.
With a young, vibrant and innovative population, Africa has the potential to be a global economic powerhouse. The continent holds 30 per cent of the world’s mineral reserves. 65 per cent of its arable land. It has massive renewable energy sources. Undercapitalized fisheries resources. From oceans and lakes to rainforests and peatlands, this continent of many nations and peoples holds all the cards.
But the African dream is at risk. The COVID-19 linked recession has cost over 30 million jobs, driven poverty up and increased debt pressure. Meanwhile, environmental impacts – from climate extremes to biodiversity loss to pollution – are holding the continent back.
The best way to tackle these issues simultaneously is to prioritize green investments in COVID-19 recovery. Investments that back the sustainable use of resources. That back clean and efficient energy, and nature-based solutions. That support sustainable agricultural practices. That create green and resilient cities. This is why AU’s Green Recovery Action Plan is so welcome.
UNEP strongly supports the Action Plan, which compliments the Africa Green Stimulus Programme adopted by the African Ministers of Environment through AMCEN. Through the revamped UN Development Coordination system, UNEP is ready to work with African countries to shift the levers of change, in support of the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063. Through greener fiscal policies and domestic spending. Through enhanced regulatory capacity. Through better connection to sustainable finance and infrastructure. All of which lie at the core of the recovery plan.
Like all other economies, Africa’s economies have been hit hard by the pandemic. So, as we call for solidarity and justice on vaccine access, so must we call for financing through traditional and innovative models at this critical time. Because a significant number of world economies – including African countries – will struggle to maintain macroeconomic stability, never mind embark on a recovery. Even with debt relief, developing countries face pressure to exploit natural capital, placing conservation and climate change ambitions aside. And without vaccine equity, many countries will find themselves in a COVID-19 limbo, unable to start down the green path to recovery.
A green recovery for Africa is in the best interests of every nation, across the world. So international solidarity and support is essential to make this recovery a reality. We must all work together for a greener and more inclusive future in Africa.
Thank you.
Executive Director
