Working together, West African countries can accelerate development - Annan

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has told a meeting of leaders from West Africa that their joint efforts to achieve development would benefit the region and the world.

In a message to the Summit of the West African Economic and Monetary Union held in Niamey, Niger, on Saturday, the Secretary-General praised “remarkable” progress since the Union’s establishment 10 years ago, citing the adoption of common policies in such areas as mining, energy, agriculture, industry, transport and telecommunications, health, education and women’s rights.

At the same time, he encouraged participants to strengthen regional solidarity and accelerate progress, including at the macroeconomic level. Implementation of the Union's vision, he added, would serve to help promote economic development in West Africa, contributing to the realization of key anti-poverty targets adopted at a UN summit in 2000, which are collectively known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Mr. Annan also stressed the importance of good governance in this effort and called for the creation of an atmosphere of peace, security and stability capable of attracting foreign investment. He pledged the UN's full support for Africa's development efforts, and voiced confidence that working together, the multiple challenges facing the continent could be overcome, ushering in a brighter future for its inhabitants.

The Secretary-General's message was delivered by René Guiraud of the UN Development Programme (UNDP).