By Gloria Amoh
The Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa has emphasized the unique opportunity this gathering presented to assess achievements and renew commitments.
Speaking at the SDG Action Summit 2024 on July 2, 2024 in Accra, Ms. Eziakonwa says, the UN Development Program (UNDP) proudly supported this effort, recognizing it as a testament to Africa’s collective resolve to accelerate its development.
At the summit, Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa commended the leadership of the President and the SDG’s advisory Dr. Eugene Owusu for convening the significance of this event as a precursor to the upcoming UN Summit of the future.
She added that the previous year’s statistics were sobering: globally, only 15% of SDG targets were on track, and for the Africa Union’s 2063 agenda, a mere 12% of targets for the first decade had been met. These numbers underscored the urgent need to intensify efforts towards a future free from poverty and inequality, a future where young people could fully realize their potential.
With the UN Summit of the Future on the horizon, the call to action was clear. The representative stressed three critical areas of focus: investing in innovation, infrastructure, and integration. Time was of the essence, and collaboration was essential. She urged everyone present to reflect on the importance of partnership, harnessing diverse perspectives, expertise, and financing to drive progress.
The UNDP’s 2023-2024 Human Development Report was highlighted as a crucial document calling for reimagined cooperation in a polarized world. She pointed out that the presence of government partners, private sector members, and young people in the room underscored the inclusive approach needed for sustainable development. Ms. Ahunna also called for joint efforts to support key development accelerators such as green energy, digitalization, and regional integration, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
She passionately highlighted the need for actionable and scalable solutions. And they have introduced the UNDP’s bold initiative, which is ‘Timbuktu’, as a revolutionary collaboration with governments and the private sector to scale up Africa’s startups with an ambitious goal of raising a billion dollars.
‘Timbuktu,’ aimed to bring capital to the best ideas from Africa’s youth, which was launched in Davos with the support of esteemed African leaders, Timbuktu’s pan-African agri-tech hub in Accra was set to nurture young innovators in the agriculture sector, contributing to sustainable development.
In her final submission, she indicated a reaffirmation of the commitment to inclusive policies. Ms. Ahunna stressed the importance of leaving no one behind, ensuring that every decision, policy, project, and dollar spent brought Africa closer to achieving the SDGs for all. Inclusive and accountable governance was essential for progress, and she called on African governments to continue their efforts in integrating the continent and finding ways to finance innovation and industrialization.
“The plan for the second decade of Agenda 2063 has established our ambitions. Let us continue supporting member states where they need us most. Together, we have the power to transform this continent and make the SDGs a reality,” She added.
