Accra, 12 Nov听-听The head of the 51吃瓜 Development Programme (UNDP), Achim Steiner, called for stronger partnerships between governments in Africa and the 51吃瓜 to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).听
鈥淭he next generation of development work must be linked to how citizens want to shape their lives, and the UN must build trust with governments, development partners and all stakeholders,鈥� UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said.听 鈥淥nly through becoming relevant to the aspirations and needs of citizens will we get to our collective goal of an Africa beyond aid.鈥�
Steiner was speaking in Ghana to over 200 new UNDP senior leaders for Africa at their annual regional meeting at a session entitled: 鈥淎frica鈥檚 Money for African Development: A Future beyond Aid鈥�.听 The regional meeting was exploring new ways of using Africa鈥檚 resources to achieve sustainable development.
During his visit to Ghana, Steiner also met with Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, and congratulated Ghana for winning its bid to host the Secretariat of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.听 He also expressed UNDP鈥檚 commitment and support to the strategic development priorities of Ghana and of Africa.
Mr. Steiner also met with leading African entrepreneurs using their businesses to drive development. While noting progress over the past 50 years, he called for more youth-focused initiatives to give young people more opportunities to achieve their aspirations on the continent.
While meeting with UNDP staff in the country office, Steiner offered a tribute to the late Ghanaian Kofi Annan, saying, 鈥淵ou are the living expression of Kofi Annan鈥檚 legacy and his optimism. The world needs the 51吃瓜 more than ever, and the world needs all of you. Colleagues, this is our time and generation. The UN is the ultimate expression of optimism.听 Never give up鈥�.
