African leaders take bold stand for sustainable development at UN Assembly.

A recurring theme in speeches delivered by the Presidents of Seychelles, Namibia, Ghana, Angola, Sierra Leone and Liberia was the urgent need to rebuild trust and rekindle global solidarity in the face of complex changes.

They expressed unwavering support for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing that the current trajectory falls short of ambitions, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In their addresses, leaders also highlighted the need for reform of the Security Council to make that 15-member body more representative and effective.

Accelerate joint efforts

President Wavel Ramkalawan of the Seychelles emphasized that the international community must accelerate joint efforts to make transformative advancements on the SDGs.

'We must prioritize SDG implementation at all levels,' he said, noting the need to align national policies and strategies with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda, while strengthening partnerships with all stakeholders.

He called on development partners to deliver on their Addis Ababa Action Agenda promises on development finance and on international financial institutions to 'embrace reform' and ensure that the unique needs of vulnerable countries are considered in access to development financing.

Reiterated that addressing the climate crisis 'is no longer optional - it is an immediate necessity,' President Ramkalawan expressed Seychelles' commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Transition to green energy

In his address, President Hage G. Geingob of Namibia highlighted his country's efforts in transitioning to green energy, emphasizing its green hydrogen projects and their potential to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors.

He noted Namibia's plans to develop green shipping corridors in partnership with other key stakeholders, aiming to create carbon-neutral maritime value chains for clean fuel and products.

President Geingob also noted the impacts of COVID-19 and its lingering aftermath, that pushed many across the world into extreme poverty, as well as worsening inequalities.

'The terrifying gap between the wealthy and the marginalized is not just a moral concern, but also a threat to global stability and harmony,' he said. urging efforts from all countries to create an environment where prosperity is shared and is inclusive.

Things are not right

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of Ghana, said that the theme of the General Assembly session, rebuilding...