Statement by
H. E. Ambassador Djismun Kasri
Representative of Indonesia
on
Agenda Item 39:
New Partnership for Africa's Development:
Progress in Implementation and Internal Support
At the United Nations General Assembly
New York, 16 October 2003
Mr. President,
We would like to thank the Secretary-General for his thorough report
on the progress being made to implement the New Partnership for Africa's
Development, NEPAD, with support from the international community,
including the United Nations system. Despite many difficulties, which
the report highlights, it is clear that momentum for Africa's development
is increasing.
Though some believe that Africa presents the greatest development
challenge of the 21st century, its leaders have clearly demonstrated
faith in their own ability to overcome the many hurdles to the development
of their nations. They have come up with a credible, workable plan
to bring about positive transformation of the still difficult circumstances
affecting the continent. We are pleased to learn in the report that
civil society and non- governmental organizations have contributed
constructively to NEPAD's implementation. Such support is important
because Africa needs all the help it can get from all relevant stakeholders
at all levels to implement the NEPAD.
Mr. President,
Perhaps one of the most serious obstacles to the full implementation
of the NEP AD is the persistent civil strife and conflict in many
parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Only with peaceful conditions can development
take place because conflict depletes Africa's valuable human and financial
resources and destroys infrastructure. It is therefore encouraging
to learn of the development of a plan of action to enhance Africa's
capability for conflict-prevention and the promotion of peace. Note
has also been taken of the establishment of the Peace and Security
Council by the African Union to ensure that peace prevails to allow
continental development. In addition to peace there is the need for
funding.
Yet, despite the fact that they are severely constrained by unfavourable
economic and financial circumstances, African countries are determined
nevertheless to retain ownership and leadership of NEPAD by providing
its core funding. This, however, does not mean that the financial
problems of African development have been adequately addressed. On
the contrary, funding from the donor states remains a critical factor
in the successful implementation of the NEPAD.
In providing such support, it is important that donors respond to
development priorities set by African countries themselves. The deep
involvement of African leaders in the continent's development process
makes them fully knowledgeable about which areas require urgent attention
for the NEP AD to produce the results they desire. In providing the
needed assistance, it is crucial that donors align their aid programmes
with respective national strategies.
As an indirect form of funding, it is indeed heartening to learn from
the report that a number of African countries have benefited from
acts of debt relief, debt forgiveness and outright debt cancellations.
It is equally heartening to learn that ODA for Africa is increasing,
consistent with commitments made at Monterrey. However, with the present
level of assistance the attainment of MDGs will be beyond the reach
of most African countries. The solution is obvious. Given the enormity
of Africa's needs, ODA must increase substantially. Donor countries
must honour the commitments that they made at the various international
conferences and summits to promote global development because funding
will accelerate implementation of the NEP AD and make the MDGs practical
goals for African countries.
It is imperative therefore that donors respond to the appeal for $22
billion annually to enable African countries to reach internationally
agreed health targets. Though African countries have committed themselves
to increasing their health budgets by 15 per cent, these increases
are unlikely to fully satisfy their needs for funding in the health
sector. By extension, this means that programmes aimed at controlling
and eliminating HIV / AIDS in Africa must continue to be supported
financially by donor countries.
Mr. President,
I would also like to emphasize that in order to accelerate the implementation
of NEP AD, greater international cooperation is needed. In this connection,
efforts and initiatives taken by the international community should
be encouraged as they provide meaningful support for African development.
In this respect, and under the spirit of the Bandung Asian- African
Conference of 1955, Indonesia together with South Africa co-chaired
the first Asian-African Sub-regional Organizations Conference (AASROC)
in Bandung, Indonesia on 29 and 30 July 2003. This conference not
only endorsed NEPAD, but laid the foundation for wide-ranging cooperation
between Asia and Africa.
The Conference, in its effort to establish links between the two continents,
emphasized both the collective responsibilities and the important
role of sub-regional organizations in exploring and implementing concrete
steps to propel growth and development in both regions. The Conference
discussed areas of cooperation and issues of strategic importance
to both regions that will become key elements of a New Strategic Partnership.
The second AASROC scheduled to be held in South Africa next year will
further develop a program of work with specific time frames, modalities,
operational approaches and formats for cooperation to ensure the realization
of the New Strategic Partnership. The partnership is expected to be
launched in 2005 during the Asian- African Summit in conjunction with
the Commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of the Bandung Asian-African
Conference.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, Indonesia is encouraged with the progress of the implementation
of NEPAD. While recognizing the many constraints affecting the efforts
of African countries, the international community should continue
to support and assist African countries to enable them to push forward
with their continental vision. In this regard, Indonesia stands in
full solidarity with our brotherly African countries.
Thank you
