Annual Africa Week Kicks Off in New York

By Dipo Olowookere

The annual Africa Week kicked off on Monday on the margins of the General Assembly Debate on Africa’s development to showcase the continent’s continuous advancements and achievements with respect to social, economic, political and environmental development.

Held under the theme ‘Supporting an Integrated, Prosperous, People-Centred and Peaceful Africa: Towards the Implementation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,’ the Africa Week will serve as an opportunity for dedicated substantive discussions on issues that are in line with the implementation set out in both agendas.

According to the organizing team, the choice of the theme is centred on a shared understanding that “a prosperous African continent is one where the different national economies are seamlessly integrated and the economic and social participation of all citizens is guaranteed and promoted.”

Furthermore, it is expected that presentations and discussions during the week would reinforce “the need for governments and partners to work closely to ensure a fertile environment for entrepreneurship to take root and flourish, and to impede and reverse illicit financial flows, as means to stimulate economic growth and with a focus on peace and security.”

While Africa has defined a unique long-term vision – Agenda 2063- it remains strongly aligned to the global 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development.

In addition, the two agendas are mutually reinforcing as they focus attention on inclusive and sustainable structural transformation across all dimensions of sustainability including governance, peace and security and sustainable development.

By holding this annual event on the margins of the General Assembly Debate on Africa’s development, the discussions focus on concrete issues bring awareness on the new and emerging challenges confronting the continent. It also serves as a strategic opportunity to mobilize international support at the global level for Africa’s development priorities and its inclusive transformative agenda.

Participating in the dynamic set of activities this week are international development partners, the private sector, and civil society, which each add significant value in support of Africa’s aspirations.