Africa Day

Women attend a community meeting in Cameroon.
UN Women/Ryan Brown

Africa essential for sustainable development, poverty reduction and peace

25 May 2021
SDGs

Africa’s rich, diverse cultural and natural heritage, is important for sustainable development, poverty reduction, and “building and maintaining peace”, the UN chief said on Tuesday, marking the international day celebrating the continent. 
“This year’s Africa Day highlights arts, culture and heritage as levers for building the Africa we want”, Secretary-General António Guterres     said in his commemorative message.  


 

In the Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya, residents are provided with soap and water to wash their hands in order to help halt the spread of the coronavirus.
© UNICEF

Heed ceasefire call, UN chief urges, marking Africa Day

24 May 2020
Peace and Security

African countries have “demonstrated commendable leadership” battling the COVID-19 pandemic, but more nations across the continent where conflict prevails, should heed the UN call for a global ceasefire to push back the deadly virus, said the Secretary-General on Monday.

Secretary-General attends an event on digital coding, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Science)– Organized by UN Women. Ethiopia.
UN Photo / Antonio Fiorente

Energy of African youth ‘propelling’ new development era as UN ties bear fruit

24 May 2019
Economic Development

The “boundless energy and optimism” of young Africans is propelling the continent into a new era of sustainable development, alongside new partnerships between the UN and African Union.