Ethiopian Informer
ADDIS ABABA (EI): Inaugurating the renovated Africa Hall, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for renewed commitment to Africa. Guterres emphasized the importance of renewing commitments to the people of Africa while recognizing both the continent’s progress and its ongoing challenges.
“Today, we gather in this house of history, a place where Africa came together to give life to the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union,” Guterres stated. He expressed gratitude to various partners, particularly the Government of Ethiopia and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), for their efforts in restoring the hall.
Reflecting on the hall’s historical significance, Guterres noted that when it was first inaugurated by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1961, only 26 African nations had achieved independence. “Times were very different then,” he remarked. “Today, Africa is a transformed continent. This renewed building symbolizes renewed hope and unity for Africa.”
The Secretary-General described the Africa Hall as a bridge connecting the continent’s past struggles with its future aspirations. He highlighted the facility’s state-of-the-art features, which preserve Africa’s grandeur while encouraging international cooperation for a better future.
However, Guterres did not shy away from addressing the challenges facing the continent. “Africa is a continent of hope, but it grapples with issues deeply rooted in history, exacerbated by climate change, conflict, and persistent poverty,” he said. He pointed out that African women often bear the brunt of these hardships and called for resolute action and renewed solidarity to tackle these issues.
Guterres emphasized that many global institutions remain outdated, having been established during a time when most of Africa was still under colonial rule. He called for reforms to make these institutions more effective, fair, and inclusive.
“Africa still has no permanent seat at the Security Council,” he lamented, expressing hope that this oversight would soon be rectified. He also criticized international financial institutions for failing to adequately support African nations in addressing debt crises and climate challenges.
In light of recent global agreements—such as the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact—Guterres reiterated the need for reforming global governance structures. “The Pact recognizes the urgent need to reform the Security Council and calls for groundbreaking changes in international financial architecture to scale up affordable development and climate finance,” he explained.
He underscored the significance of including young people in these efforts, stating that their voices must be integral to shaping Africa’s future. “For more than 60 years, the Africa Hall has been a symbol of resilience and collective aspirations,” he said. “As we step into this renewed space, let us renew our pledge to work for the people of Africa.”
As the ceremony concluded, Guterres urged attendees to use this revitalized hall as a platform for fostering greater peace, unity, and prosperity across the African continent. His remarks resonated with a sense of urgency and hope, marking a pivotal moment in Africa’s journey toward a brighter future.
(Photo credit UNECA)
