African leaders call for more investments in green energy and water infrastructure.

In New York, African leaders have called for concerted investment in energy and water infrastructure to accelerate the achievement of UN's Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063.

'We must rethink development and lead a transition that is climate resilient, truly just, people-centered, inclusive, and equitable to deliver on the promises of the Agendas,' the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Acting Executive Secretary, Antonio Pedro, said at an Africa Day event on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Dialogue in New York.

Held under the theme, 'Harnessing water and energy for Africa's sustainable industrialization and inclusive economic transformation,' the event was co-organised by the United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa UN-OSAA, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the African Union Commission (AUC), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (UN-IDEP).

We must rethink development and lead a transition that is climate resilient, truly just, people-centered, inclusive, and equitable to deliver on the promises of the Agendas

Mr. Pedro noted that African countries have been disproportionately affected by multiple crises which have reversed development gains, but Africa had the solutions to sustainable development.

'There is no shortage of opportunities or African-driven blueprints and innovative solutions to enable us to achieve the SDGs and to propel us to The Africa We Want. Strengthening our implementation capabilities is a sine qua non condition for success,' said Mr. Pedro.

Underlying the importance of harnessing water and energy for Africa's sustainable industrialization and inclusive economic transformation, Mr. Pedro said water was an important enabler for the achievement of the SDGs and the Agenda 2063.

For example, through the Great Blue Wall Initiative, ECA in collaboration with other partners, is seeking to accelerate the blue economy in the Western Indian Ocean region.

On energy, Mr. Pedro said there can be no net-zero by 2050 without universal access to energy by 2030 as it was essential to harness Africa's abundant renewable and clean energy resources.

Africa currently attracts less than 1.5% of global renewable energy investments which could be increased through improved regulatory and policy actions.

By taking the lead in the green hydrogen space for instance, Africa could produce over $1...