Africa has Great Expectations from Rio+20, says afDB President

21 June 2012
Content from a Premium Partner
African Development Bank (Abidjan)
press release

The outcome of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, or Rio+20, currently taking place in Rio de Janeiro, is centrally important for the future of Africa, said the president of the African Development Bank, Donald Kaberuka.

Speaking at a High Level Round Table on implementing the expected outcomes of Rio+20 on 20 June, Mr Kaberuka said: "I join African leaders who spoke before me in welcoming the outcome of this Summit."

He pointed out that: "Today, twenty years ago, a bold vision was spelt out and a clear road map agreed upon. Today, twenty years after, at a time of global economic stress, that agenda is now even more urgent than ever. And none have a bigger stake than the low income countries."

He went on to say that, while Africa has lately seen strong economic growth and a significant improvement in human development indicators, "the journey remains long in making a last dent on poverty. You will understand therefore why Africa's expectations in the Summit are high."

The sustainability of Africa's recent economic achievements, said Mr Kaberuka, was under threat from serious global economic crises. Therefore, he said, "the focus of this conference on the triple agenda of economic, social and ecological sustainability is central to our continent's future development strategy."

The AfDB will play its role in the process, said Mr Kaberuka. "On its part, the African Development Bank, within its mandate, and in the light of the outcome of this Summit will continue and deepen its role as financier, partner and advisor to African countries in fostering inclusive development which provides hope and opportunities for its people, and in particular, its youth."

He continued: "We will focus on sustainable energy solutions and infrastructure, food security, building resilience, national inclusive green growth and climate adaptation plans as well as valuation of natural capital."

Email alerts

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.