Tokyo - New York: Europe and the Arabs
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that discussions at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Japan focused on how partnerships with Africa can advance the solutions the world needs in the areas of peace, global governance, finance, climate action, and digital transformation.
In remarks to reporters on Thursday in Yokohama, where the conference is being held, Guterres began his remarks by addressing peace, emphasizing the importance of "an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages, and avoiding the massive death and destruction that any military operation against Gaza City would inevitably cause."
He also called for a reversal of the Israeli authorities' decision to expand illegal settlement construction, which would divide the West Bank, stressing that all settlement construction is a violation of international law. According to the UN Daily News Bulletin, "More Fair Governance and Finance"
Regarding peace and development in Africa, the Secretary-General said, "There is no development without peace," emphasizing the need for diplomacy to silence the guns and prevent escalation, ensuring humanitarian access to those in need, and strong support for regional efforts to rebuild trust and institutions.
He also emphasized the need for more equitable global governance and finance, adding that "debt must not sink development."
He also called for investment in climate solutions, noting that Africa has everything it takes to become a renewable energy superpower; from solar and wind power to the essential minerals that fuel clean technologies.
"We must mobilize finance and technology so that African people can benefit from Africa's natural resources first," Guterres said.
He also spoke of the importance of "achieving digital transformation," calling for investment in education, skills, and decent work, expanding social protection, and ensuring women's full participation and leadership in the economy, politics, and public life. Citing the spirit of Yokohama, a city of resilience in the face of adversity and united in purpose, he said, "With Africa at the forefront and Japan as a reliable partner, let us continue to embody this spirit."