Remarks by H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly
Blue Africa Summit
(pre-recorded message)
17 November 2023
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Excellencies,
Distinguished Participants,
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It is my distinct honour to address the inaugural Blue Africa Summit.
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My only regret is that I am not able to join you in person, despite my keen interest in strengthening Africa¡¯s maritime domain.
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Let me commend the Kingdom of Morocco¡¯s esteemed leadership in championing the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to make the African maritime space a zone of peace, stability and shared prosperity for all. Contriving to create, nurture and sustain peace must be at the centre-piece of work, in these times.
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His Majesty¡¯s vision aptly resonates with the theme I have chosen for the 78th Session of the General Assembly.
The maritime city of Tangier ¨C at the confluence of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, and spanning both Africa and Europe ¨C is the ideal place to host this august gathering.
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Indeed, Africa has emerged as a significant oceanic power, boasting 30,000 kilometres of coastline in 37 coastal States.
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Its maritime routes ¨C which once linked ancient empires ¨C today increasingly transport people, energy, food and marine resources across three oceans.
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On the continent, some 200 million people live within 50 kilometres of the coast ¨C a figure set to double by 2030 ¨C a reality that makes the maximization of its dynamic maritime potential vitally important to Africa¡¯s future development.
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This is especially true as sea-level rise continues to pose an existential threat to its low-lying coastal areas.
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Excellencies,
This Summit¡¯s emphasis therefore on the blue economy ¨C as an integral aspect of Africa¡¯s broader regional integration agenda ¨C comes at an extremely opportune moment.
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The blue economy can be a strong driver of sustainable and inclusive growth and development ¨C providing crucial livelihoods and job opportunities for many and thus helping to boost the food security needs of millions, on the continent and potentially abroad.
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To optimise the prospects, all potentially viable sustainable financing models should be explored, ¨Cbased on local needs, and priorities.
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Ocean protection and management plans stand a better chance of success when scientific expertise is integrated with citizen and stakeholder engagement.
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Excellencies,
Distinguished Participants,
As I close, let me remind that Africa is a cradle of human civilization and a continent of great promise for peace, human rights, prosperity and development.
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Realizing that promise requires that we urgently address the obstacles hindering its progress to achieve the 2030 and 2063 Agendas.
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I therefore encourage all stakeholders ¨C national and local authorities, civil society and the private sector ¨C to forge strong partnerships that address the challenges in Africa¡¯s maritime domain, and aligning these efforts with those of the AU and other regional and international organizations.
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In this regard, I look forward to participating at the upcoming AU Summit to share further thought with the leaders.
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And I urge development partners ¨C to seize the opportunity offered by this critical Blue Africa Summit to scale up investment in the continent¡¯s sustainable development.
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Together, let us ensure that no country on the continent is left behind ¨C in our unrelenting quest for peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.
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I thank you.