Iraq Pushes for Stronger African Voice in Global Forums

Dr. Abbas Kadhim Obaid, Iraq’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York and Chair of the Group of 77 and China, welcomed Mr. Clever Kete, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), for a crucial discussion on Africa’s development priorities and the challenges facing its nations.

The meeting focused on the significant slowdown in development across the African continent, with a particular emphasis on external debt pressures that hinder economic growth opportunities. Both sides also discussed the impact of climate change, particularly water scarcity, drought, and how these issues directly affect food security in Africa.

Other key topics included energy, technology transfer, and the promotion of free trade zones in Africa. They stressed the need for African countries to have a stronger voice in international forums, including the G20, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund meetings, where their concerns must be better represented.

Dr. Obaid highlighted the importance of the cooperation between the Group of 77 and China and regional economic commissions such as the ECA. He noted the Group’s pivotal role in the ongoing preparations for the Fourth Financing for Development Conference, set for mid-year, ensuring that the Group’s concerns and development priorities would be central to discussions on financing and climate change mitigation. He expressed the frustration of developing nations over the failure of developed countries to meet their climate financing commitments, and the Group’s success in presenting two key resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly on promoting durable peace and sustainable development in Africa.

Mr. Kete reiterated the importance of the Fourth Financing for Development Conference as a critical opportunity to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Africa, urging the developing countries to ensure their concerns and priorities are well represented in the conference outcomes, particularly in relation to the challenges posed by climate change at COP30.

Both sides agreed to continue coordinating efforts between the Group of 77 and the ECA to support development efforts in Africa, ensuring a collective focus on overcoming obstacles to the continent’s growth and prosperity.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs