President,
There are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of Africa.
There has been good progress in achieving the goals set out in Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063. The African Continental Free Trade Area holds a promise of continued and inclusive growth.
Significant challenges remain; here I wish to underscore the importance of job creation, particularly for women and youth.
President,
We must step up our support to those in greatest need.
To achieve our common goals, Norway is seeking to intensify the co-operation with our partners in Africa. Regional and sub-regional organizations play a crucial role in finding sustainable solutions for our common future. On October 1st we opened our new Permanent Mission of Norway to the African Union, in Addis Abeba.
Norway is honored to support African Union-led training for incoming African members to the Security Council and the AU office in New York.
Norway is a consistent and reliable partner to African countries and the AU. Norway has for more than 10 years allocated 1 per cent of Gross National Income to Official Development Assistance. Development assistance continues to be an important component of our cooperation with countries in Africa.
However, trade, private investments and business cooperation have now become an increasingly prominent part of our partnership. This is a very encouraging and inspiring trend.
We share the challenges of illicit financial flows must be curbed. We commend the good work done in Africa, and applaud the role Nigeria has taken in this fight. We are proud to be partners in this important work.
We share the priority of ensuring gender equality. Women’s participation in all sectors of our societies is good for our economies. Allow me to congratulate Ethiopia for the gender parity in the new government. You are leading the way!
President,
In his 20th annual report on causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and the sustainable development in Africa, the Secretary-General advocates for the strengthening of capacities for structural conflict prevention.
We align ourselves with this important message. And we welcome the notable progress on the operationalization of the African Peace and Security Architecture.
We stand ready to contribute with what we can to prevent conflicts and address their root causes.
Through our partnerships, Norway will continue to contribute to good solutions for our common future.
Thank you.