Ban Ki Moon decries Africa's poverty

By David Ohito

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has decried how poverty, hunger and disease are denying millions of Africans a chance to realize their full potential.

Said Moon: “Poverty, hunger, and disparities in health, education, and participation in society, are preventing hundreds of millions of Africans from fully realizing their potential.  Greater effort is needed by all to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.”

He described Africa as a dynamic continent undergoing fundamental transformation.  “Even during the world economic crisis, Africa’s economies continued to expand, and growth forecasts remain positive.”

Moon decried that despite Africa’s dynamism, the benefits are not reaching all Africans. 

He praised the growing number of success stories across Africa indicates that broader social and economic progress is realistically attainable for most Africans.

“I have personally seen the dividends of investing in women’s and children’s health and sustainable agriculture.  I have spent many hours with African leaders who are committed to peace, human rights, democracy and good governance. “ Moon said.

The challenge is to extend these advances and ensure they reach all Africans, especially the continent’s poorest and most vulnerable people.  In particular, we must address the spectre of hunger – from the highly visible periodic food emergencies to the hidden disgrace of stunting that is affecting a new generation of African children.  

He pledged UN’s support to help Africa build a secure and better future.

In his message on the Africa Day marked throughout the continent, he said “each year, Africa Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of the peoples and governments of Africa.”

“The United Nations commends Africa’s recent efforts to consolidate its peace and security architecture, and to reject unconstitutional changes of power.  We will continue to work with Africa in building durable peace, ending armed conflicts, boosting democracy, and promoting respect for fundamental human rights, especially the rights of women and youth. “ He said.

 

Many of these issues, he said are on the table at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development next month in Brazil. 

“Rio+20 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to mould the future we want – a future where climate change and desertification are no longer threats; where devastating maternal and child mortality, and diseases such as TB and HIV/AIDS, are consigned to the past; where all people have access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation.”

From renewable energy to thriving oceans, from empowered women to productive partnerships between governments, civil society and business, Rio+20 is our chance to deliver for all, particularly Africa.” He said in a statement.

“On this observance of Africa Day, as the world tries to forge a renewed global partnership for sustainable development, I pledge to work with Africa’s leaders and people to implement an agenda that addresses Africa’s needs – an agenda that will set the continent on the path to the future we all want: dynamic, equitable and sustainable growth that benefits all Africans.” Moon said.