ADDIS ABABA, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) on Tuesday urged for strong public-sector structures and effective institutional reinforcement so as to strengthen urban development across Africa.
The call was made by ECA's Macroeconomics and Governance Division Officer, Eunice Ajambo, who stressed that "strong public sector institutions and structures, capacity-building and institutional reinforcement are needed to steer urban development on the continent."
"This entails transforming the way governments, institutions and public administrations are organized and work in an effective, inclusive and accountable manner, as committed in SDG 16," an ECA statement quoted Ajambo as saying.
According to ECA's economic affairs officer, a transformational leadership is "crucial to achieving the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."
Noting that "cities and human settlements are key to achieving the sustainable development goals," Ajambo further stressed that SDG 11 in particular recognizes the central role of urbanization in powering the momentum towards sustainable development.
Target 11 of the global sustainable development goal mainly envisaged to make cities and human settlements across the globe "inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable."
"Leaders need to have the necessary capacities and mindsets to drive the change," said Ajambo.
Ajambo also stressed that the transformational change envisaged as part of the 2030 Agenda "requires a shift in mindsets in the public service to address requirements of both public service institutions and public servants themselves."
"The implementation of the 2030 Agenda will not be possible without mobilizing the public service and building public trust, alongside the principles of effectiveness, integrity, impartiality, equity, transparency, ethical standards, values and selflessness along with accountability," she said.
