Addis Ababa, September 8, 2023 (FBC) – The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, earlier today addressed a “Regional Consultation on The Right to Development as a Tool for Transformation and Its Nexus with Peace and Security in Africa” at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa.
In his keynote address, Demeke stressed the importance of the right to development as a human right encompassing social, economic, cultural, and political elements.
Despite numerous challenges in Africa, including conflicts and underdevelopment, he underscored, peace, development, and human rights are inextricably linked.
He added that Africa’s foremost agenda remains achieving lasting peace, inclusivity, and sustainable development that respects the dignity of every African.
DPM & FM Demeke also pointed out that the right to development should be a crucial tool to accelerate the implementation of the UN Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want of the African Union that complement each other.
In particular, he stressed Ethiopia’s recognition of the right to development and its crucial elements, including participation, equity, and property rights.
According to Ethiopia’s Ten-Year Development Plan, respecting human rights and dignity, creating peace, and achieving sustainable development are all aspects of peace and development, he noted.
He also expressed Ethiopia’s continued commitment to addressing all legitimate requests of its people peacefully, and will continue to build inclusive political and economic institutions to advance balanced and integrated development.
In addition, he pointed out that Ethiopia advocates and implements the right to development in accordance with national contexts and priorities.
He expressed his confidence that the conference would explore how the right to development should be prioritized in promoting climate justice, trade, and investment, including by harnessing the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Finally, DPM and FM Demeke extended his gratitude to the African Union Commission and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for co-organizing the consultation meeting, as per MFA Ethiopia.