ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Vera Songwe on Thursday called on African countries to rely on the ECA as a premier think tank to address some of the continent's social, economic and environmental challenges.
Songwe, who noted that most African countries were facing similar issues in an ever-more challenging global context in recent years, disclosed ECA's commitment to fill the gap in addressing the challenges that the African continent encounters.
The ECA, by working with member states through engagement and practical application of quality research and evidence generated through the organization's work, can offer solutions to accelerate the achievement of continental Agenda 2063 and the global 2030 development goals, she said while briefing African ambassadors on ECA's works.
"ECA should be your door to the best policy advice. If we don't have the knowledge in-house, we have the capacity to bring the best of the world to you," she said.
The Executive Secretary also affirmed ECA's determination to in building a prosperous Africa.
Building sustainable development solutions to accelerate Africa's economic diversification and industrialization, creating innovative solutions to finance sustainable infrastructure, human, physical and social for a transforming Africa were among the strategic areas that Songwe vowed to support ECA's member countries.
ECA's other areas of interest also include the provision of solutions to trans-boundary issues and developing regional solutions as a contribution to global governance issues, as well as building knowledge to advocate for and manage Africa's next-generation challenges.
Songwe also commended Africa's commitment in the formation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement(AfCFTA).
"With the AfCFTA, there was momentum on the continent that says that we as a continent are breaking borders and we need to work together," Songwe said.
