The UN chief underlined the global body’s support for this partnership in comments to the summit on China-Africa cooperation.
Leaders from some 50 African countries are expected to attend the summit, which has been held every three years since 2000.
Debt hinders development
Mr Guterres noted that they gathered in China amid rising geopolitical tensions, raging conflicts and increasing poverty and hunger.
He pointed to current challenges, including the conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan, as well as the worsening climate crisis, inequality and threats to global and African efforts to achieve sustainable development.
Meanwhile, many African countries are mired in debt and struggling to invest in sustainable development, he said.
Reform outdated systems
The UN Secretary-General recalled his proposals to reform the “outdated, ineffective and unfair international financial architecture” and provide a stimulus plan for developing countries seeking to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) become reality.
Solutions include increasing the lending capacity of multilateral development banks and enabling them to massively scale up affordable financing for development.
He stressed that China and Africa’s support for these initiatives is crucial.
Progress on shared goals
“In this context, South-South cooperation is essential to build capacities and make progress on shared development goals, without diminishing the responsibilities of the global North.“, he said.
Mr Guterres described China’s partnership with the African continent as a pillar of South-South cooperation. The process refers to the exchange of technology and skills between countries of the Global South.
“Your joint efforts, based on the Charter of the United Nations“Can create new momentum for African development,” he said.
He recalled that China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for many years.
“And we know that in Africa, as elsewhere,investments are groundbreaking if they respect national ownership and are financially sustainable, climate sensitive and consistent with international human rights commitments.”
Partnership for transition
Moreover, “China’s remarkable track record in development – including in eradicating poverty – offers a wealth of experience and expertise,” he continued.
“China-Africa partnership can fuel renewable energy revolution“It can be a catalyst for important transitions in food systems and digital connectivity,” he said.
“And as home to some of the world’s most dynamic economies, Africa can make the most of the potential of China’s support in areas such as trade, data management, finance and technology.”
Meeting today’s challenges
Mr Guterres also used the speech to emphasise the need to “correct some historical injustices”.
For example, it was ‘scandalous’ that the African continent does not have a permanent seat in the UN. Security Councilhe said.
In this connection, the Top of the future at UN headquarters later this month “will be a crucial opportunity for renewal and reform – anchored in solidarity and justice”.
The UN chief spoke about the proposed focus on preventing and jointly addressing new and emerging threats to global security, building on recent success in authorizing UN-assessed contributions to African Union-led peace operations.
“We are pushing for reforms so that the The international financial architecture and institutions are in line with the realities of today’s world and can respond to today’s challenges, particularly those facing developing countries, especially in Africa. “Your full involvement is crucial to find sustainable solutions,” he said.
Concluding his speech, the Secretary-General stressed “the full commitment of the United Nations to supporting a strong partnership between China and Africa, focused on our shared goal of peace, sustainable development and human rights on a healthy planet”.
