NEW YORK, OCTOBER 23 – In a debate chaired by the President of the UN General Assembly, Italy reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with African Countries for inclusive and sustainable development towards the UN 2030 Agenda and the Agenda 2063 of the African Union. “We are among the 10 top investors in Africa ready to further increase our support”, the Italian Permanent Representative Mariangela Zappia announced during the General Assembly meeting on ‘The New Partnership for Africa’s Development: progress in implementation and international support’.
“We welcome the entry into force, this year, of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which represents a major step towards the realization of ‘an integrated, prosperous, peaceful and people-centred Africa’. Italy stands ready to contribute to this process of regional integration, promoting inclusive economic growth and sustainable development with an integrated approach encompassing humanitarian assistance, development cooperation and private investments”, said Zappia to the General Assembly
She explained how this strategic collaboration will be put into action within the framework outlined by the UN 2030 and the African Union 2063 Agendas. She furthermore observed how “over the last year, many important and positive developments took place. Few weeks ago, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts to promote reconciliation in the Horn of Africa, namely bringing the long lasting confrontation with Eritrea to an end. In Sudan, the successful political transition that led to the formation of the new Government opened a new era for the country. The Bangui Peace Agreement in the Central African Republic had a positive impact on the life of the Central African people, even though some challenges remain”.
The Italian Ambassador expressed strong support for the African Architecture of Peace and Security, and for strengthening the trilateral cooperation between the UN, African Union and European Union. While recognizing the importance of these diplomatic tools, Zappia observed how “Reforms are also needed within the UN, in order to allow African countries to contribute more significantly to maintain peace and security in the Continent. Italy supports the legitimate aspirations of Africa to be more represented in the Security Council”. The Ambassador reminded the Assembly of the Security Council reform proposal advanced by the Uniting for Consensus Group -coordinated by Italy- which envisions “new ‘long-term’ seats assigned to regional groups with possibility of immediate re-election. “This proposal – she said – is meant to create a more representative, accountable, democratic, transparent and effective Council in which Africa will be the most represented regional group”. (SB@OnuItalia)