The Secretary-General on Message on Africa Day

For generations, the people of Africa have confronted and overcome the destructive consequences of slavery and colonialism and forged unity and purpose out of adversity. 

Today, that shared determination is fueling common objectives: unlocking the promise of continental free trade and renewable energy, driving innovation, spurring sustainable development and laying the foundations for lasting peace, stability and prosperity. 

This year’s theme focuses on another shared priority: water and sanitation. 

These services are the bedrock of public health, human dignity and economic opportunity. Yet millions across the continent — particularly women and youth — still lack access to these essential services due to limited investment, weak or absent infrastructure, and the intensifying impacts of climate change.

Building and maintaining safe, resilient and accessible water and sanitation requires stronger domestic resource mobilization and sustained investment in the sector’s governance. 

It also requires far more global solidarity to help African countries access funds and debt relief mechanisms and harness public-private partnerships. 

And it demands massive investment in Africa’s electrification and transition to renewable energy – to power universal water and sanitation, reduce Africa’s exposure to the frequent volatility of global oil supplies, and help break the world’s addiction to fossil fuels. 

Today and every day, the United Nations is proud to work with African countries to build the peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future all Africans – and our world – deserve.