While many African countries and communities have made great progress in peace and security, human rights, good governance and the rule of law, more remains to be done, several senior United Nations said during a high-level panel discussion assessing the continent’s development.

While there has been great social and economic progress across Africa, its economies have not kept pace with legitimate demands, including providing jobs to young people, said United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson at a high-level meeting of regional partners held today at Headquarters.

An independent United Nations human rights expert today called for a meaningful reduction of military spending with funds reoriented towards development, and greater transparency in how Governments prioritize budgets.

Free media, traditional and new, are indispensable for development, democracy and good governance, United Nations officials said today, spotlighting Press Freedom Day – observed annually on 3 May – to urge Governments, societies and individuals to actively defend this fundamental right as a critical factor in achieving internationally agreed development goals.