Africa-Press – Seychelles. The executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, António Pedro, defended, this Thursday, a greater investment in education and training of staff to combat poverty and promote the industrialization of southern Africa and the continent in general. .
Speaking at the opening of the 43rd Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), he referred that the continent’s difficulties such as poverty and conflicts contrast with the abundance of natural resources.
In his speech, the executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa also spoke of the need to adopt strategies to fight poverty and inequalities.
António Pedro stated that breaking this “vicious circle” requires a strategic vision and must be supported by industrialization, the constructive transformation of countries in the region, in particular, and of Africa, in general.
He announced the holding of a summit on the future of Africa next year, to discuss the strategies to be adopted in the medium and long term, so that the continent can progress in the 21st century.
He referred, by way of example, to the fact that Bangladesh exports more textiles in a month than 14 African countries in a year.
In order to accelerate the pace of industrialization in the region, he also suggested the formation of partnerships, the creation of an adequate environment for national investment, the commitment to professional and university education.
The senior UN official also defended a greater commitment to technologies to accelerate sustainable growth and create jobs in the countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
He spoke of the need to encourage the creation of cooperatives and the mobilization of financing for the economy.
António Pedro suggested a greater commitment to the green economy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and preserve the environment.
On the occasion, the official considered it essential to invest in wind and solar energy, to improve regional electrification systems, in order to leverage business opportunities and accelerate sustainable development.
The SADC Summit is responsible for the overall policy direction and control of the functions of the Community, ultimately becoming the decision-making institution of the organization.
The Ordinary SADC Summit is held every year, attended by the Heads of State and Government of the 16 Member States.
The organization comprises Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
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