FAURE ESSOZIMNA GNASSINGBE, President of Togo, said the world is at a cross-roads as aging institutions attempt to deal with complex and intense problems.  If the attention to these problems is not accompanied by adapting to new realities and specific actions, there is real reason for concern for the planet and its people, especially youth.  “We cannot persist with systems that don’t deliver on their promises,” he said.  “We must embark on a profound transformation. My conviction is that another path is possible.”  This path includes the creation of a model of international cooperation that is more inclusive and respectful.  He holds a vision of Africa that fully embraces the continent’s role as a strategic partner in the construction of new rules of planetary regulation.  “Togo is looking to the future with hope and determination,” he said.

Togo is working on development that is sustainable, equitable and inclusive, he said, adding that it must be visionary.  “Our responsibility is to protect present and future generations,” he said.  This will require massive investments in the education and healthcare systems, investments to reduce the digital divide, and a commitment to improve the environment and ecology and to reduce gender inequality.  The international community must look to Africa, which is a future driver of global growth, with its large population of youth, who can help develop innovative solutions to global problems.  Africa holds opportunities for the development of the blue and green economies.  “It can be transformed into a global hub for renewable energy,” he said, adding: “Africa is testing new partnership models between private and public partners.”  Effective multilateral cooperation is necessary to deal with the crises that impact many countries in a region.

Africa is a region with great vulnerability to climate change even though its contribution to the changing climate has been minimal, he said. This had led to great food insecurity, which will in turn lead to major waves of migration to the north if adjustments are not made.  “Collective and coordinated action is necessary to revitalize global efforts to achieve peace and security,” he said.  Economic development would help tackle the root causes of violence and the persisting threat of terrorism facing Africa.  “Multinational cooperation is necessary to tackle these issues,” he said.  International cooperation cannot be strengthened without a new model that is more equitable and respectful to African States.  “We need to rebalance our efforts,” he said, stressing: “Africa deserves particular attention and more respect and dignity.”  African States can play a larger role as strategic actors on the international stage.

Respect for human dignity must guide daily actions within the borders of African countries, throughout the continent and throughout the world.  “The voices of Africa must be elevated” and heard in international arenas, he said. He advocated for a new model of international cooperation that is based on localization.  “Despite the best efforts, international aid is disconnected from the needs and capacities of local people that need the aid,” he said. Local expertise and players must be actively used.  Togo is resolved to play a role in developing solutions to multinational problems; and Africa is ready to play its rightful role on the international stage.  “But Africa needs to be respected,” he said, stressing:  “Let us build a world where each nation and people live in harmony with each other and the planet.”