Muhammad was in the country to attend the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8), which ended on the same day.
This conference has been hosted by Japan since 1993 under the concept of “African Development for the People of Africa.” It is co-hosted by the United Nations, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the World Bank and the African Union Commission.
new era
President Said welcomed the UN Deputy Secretary-General to talk about a new era in the world, citing the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, but also Tunisia. Tunisia has enacted a new constitution establishing greater accountability for all.
The President also recognized that the United Nations plays an important role as a “national unity” that works together to face common challenges.
He said TICAD has already delivered important results for Africa and that much remains to be done to implement the agreements agreed at this latest edition of the conference.
SDGs remain relevant
Muhammad recalled: The SDGs remain a highly relevant framework in this new era. And TICAD has served as an important memory.
The 17 goals aim to achieve a more just and equitable world by ending extreme poverty, achieving gender equality, boosting economic growth, tackling climate change and protecting the natural environment.
They were adopted by world leaders in 2015 and have a deadline of 2030.
The UN deputy secretary-general said in many places governments have yet to succeed in providing better public services. especially for women and girlsShe added that the United Nations will continue to support countries and give people hope.
As social cohesion and the notion of the state have been undermined in many places recently, new models and democratic assessments are needed to build more efficient and inclusive institutions that can serve the people of the world. She agreed.
© Save the Children/Dereje
Leden, an Ethiopian student with disabilities, receives targeted educational assistance thanks to a program funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the United Nations education fund in emergencies and protracted crises.
educational transformation
Ms Mohammed reminded President Said that the UN Secretary General has invited him to attend the upcoming UN General Assembly and the important Transformational Education Summit.
The three-day event, which begins at United Nations Headquarters on September 16, A new vision of education We provide learners of all ages and backgrounds with the skills, knowledge and value they need to thrive.
She said that as a professor, President Said can help redefine and rethink education in Africa.
The President confirmed his interest in attending and said it was fundamental to adapting education to this new era. He said a Supreme Council for Education and Learning was included in Tunisia’s new constitution.
UNDP Executive Director Achim Steiner, who attended the meeting, added that a new social contract is needed between people and their institutions.
Human security matters for Africa
The meeting with President Said took place the day after Mr. Mohammed delivered his speech at TICAD8, and focused on the importance of realizing a sustainable and resilient society based on the concept of human security.
In addition to promoting peace and stability, she highlighted how the partnerships established at the conference over the years have helped increase access to health services, education, water and sanitation. Did.
but she said many people still suffer When it comes to issues like housing, health, education and gender equality.
In addition, new challenges have arisen, jeopardize sustainable developmentFor example, the global food and fuel crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, the “triple planetary crisis” of climate, biodiversity and pollution.
“Achieving Human Security— Freedom from Fear, Lack, and Resentment It is more important than ever to protect Africans from threats to their survival, dignity and livelihoods,” she said.
“that too Important for empowering all including women, children and other vulnerable groups — to shape and fully own the process of building communities and nations. ”
Solutions for a sustainable future
Mohammed told participants that the conference provided an opportunity to use a human security approach in finding solutions to today’s global challenges.
“In doing so, countries and communities across Africa will have access to the best solutions to accelerate progress. Fulfilling our promise to help millions of Africans co-create a sustainable and inclusive future.” she said.
The UN Deputy Secretary-General has outlined five ways how a human security approach can help countries overcome the current “complex situation” as they seek to achieve the development goals outlined by the UN and the African Union. outlined in
“In the face of systemic risk, We must step up our efforts on recovery, prevention and anticipation of future crises in an integrated way. Predictive analytics and social protection research will be important tools,” she said.
© UN Women/Ryan Brown
A women’s cooperative is forming in the town of Yoko, Cameroon.
people-centered approach
Mohammed called for a “data revolution.” She said indicators of development progress must go beyond focusing solely on measures such as gross domestic product (GDP) to determine well-being, in order to better measure vulnerability. said.
“A people-centered approach at the center of everything we do‘ she emphasized. “Rebuilding trust and fostering a stronger social contract between governments and people must be integral to our efforts.”
Her fourth point focused on a new agenda for peace. our common future.
“We need to reset our current response to conflict prevention and termination. Women play a leading role in this effort,” she added.
As her final point, Ms. Muhammad emphasized the need to: Pay more attention to digital threats, such as online propaganda and hate speech.
At the same time, governments must find ways to: Use technology to serve peopleshe added, but also ensures that foundational learning includes the use of digital tools in teaching and learning for all.