First, I would like to give my thanks to the briefers, Mr. Antonio Guterres, Mr. Achim Steiner and Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat for their input to today’s meeting.
We have lived in the pandemic for ONE AND A HALF YEARS now and we still see record-breaking numbers of NEW INFECTIONS in many countries. We must continue to work COLLECTIVELY to overcome the pandemic and assist the ones WHO NEED IT the most. During the pandemic, we must not ignore the root causes of conflict, which have been exacerbated by COVID-19. Post-pandemic recovery is OF CRUCIAL IMPORTANCE, which makes us more resilient in the future.
For the recovery to be meaningful, we need to follow CERTAIN CRITERIA. We must ensure an unhindered humanitarian access to conflict areas. We hereby reiterate our SUPPORT to the Secretary-General’s call for A GLOBAL CEASEFIRE and to the resolution 2265. It is crucial for the delivery of the COVID-19 vaccines as well as for other immunisation programmes. Moreover, we will never stop underlining the IMPORTANCE OF GOOD GOVERNANCE, accountability, compliance with international humanitarian law, protection of human rights, and respect for the rule of law, which all play a big role in the conflicts in Africa.
What CAN WE DO to help Africa build back better?
To help restore international trade, travel, prosperity and security, we must get COVID-19 under control. THE EUROPEAN UNION has played a leading role in setting up the COVAX FACILITY, through which we have exported close to 65 MILLION DOSES. The EU and its member states have so far contributed over €2.47 billion to COVAX facility.
In addition, Europe is the main exporter of vaccines worldwide. More than 200 MILLION DOSES of vaccines produced in Europe have been shipped to the rest of the world. We are exporting almost as many vaccines as we deliver to our own citizens, to more than 90 countries. Africa HAS AN ALLY in the EU in its COVID-19 response and recovery, ensuring a safe and fair access to COVID-19 VACCINES FOR ALL. The EU continues to support further international debt relief efforts for African countries, while being the largest contributor to date to the IMF’s Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust. The EU also continues to explore ways TO SUPPORT the local manufacturing of vaccines, medicines and health products, while also taking into account mid-and long-term impacts of the pandemic ON PEACE AND STABILITY.
From my country’s perspective, ESTONIA recently adopted its first comprehensive strategy for Africa for the 2020-2030 period. Digital transformation, e-governance, innovation and GREEN TRANSITION are of particular importance. The pandemic has shown us how fragile we have been in many different fields, depending on SOLUTIONS that put our lives on a pause. That can be solved THROUGH DIGITALIZATION, especially during the time when we have become more reliant on technology. Simultaneously, interest in E-GOVERNANCE and E-SERVICES has steadily increased in Africa. It is the perfect time to act.
Increasing reliance on technologies, unfortunately, goes hand-in-hand with malicious acts, which is why we are actively working with partners in African countries to promote CYBER RESILIENCE on the continent. Estonia is one of the founding members of the Digital for Development Hub and therefore at the forefront of promoting new international partnerships on the DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION in Africa. It is a tool for ADVANCING MULTI-STAKEHOLDER DIALOGUE, joint partnerships and investments in the AFRICAN digital economy.
The goal was to find INNOVATIVE digital solutions to socio-economic challenges in Africa, further amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also strengthen the ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM for the YOUTH on the continent. One of the most notable results was WOMEN EMPOWERMENT, as there were many women entrepreneurs involved and the winning projects were geared towards women’s health.
In addition, Estonia is open to offering its expertise to Africa to reach its goals set out in Agenda 2063. Estonia’s cooperation with African countries is based on relations between EQUAL PARTNERS and we call others to follow our example.
Dear colleagues,
With each passing day, we continue to lose more people to the pandemic. It is critical for us to join forces for a coordinated approach. COVID-19 is still ravaging those with weaker healthcare systems or groups in conflict situations, which means the virus can spread back to other countries. Let us HASTEN the vaccine rollout for a GREATER POSITIVE IMPACT.
Thank you.