At the Africa Day High-Level Symposium on Global Governance, Mohamed Sheshu Sheriff, Executive Secretary of the APRM National Secretariat, emphasized the critical role Africa must play in shaping global governance amidst the rapidly changing global landscape.

The symposium, themed “Global Governance and Fundamental Changes Taking Place in the World: Africa’s Perspective and Response,” brought together distinguished participants to discuss the continent’s direction and future prospects. This gathering underscored Africa's potential and its strategic position in global affairs.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Sheriff celebrated Africa’s rich cultural heritage and historical resilience. He highlighted the continent's legacy of empires, trade networks, and inclusive governance, calling for a unified approach to harness Africa’s shared values and aspirations. He stressed the need for governance structures rooted in democracy, transparency, and the rule of law, aligned with the principles of Ubuntu.

Mr. Sheriff pointed out that Africa stands at a crucial juncture in the digital age. He advocated for leveraging technology to bypass traditional development hurdles and emphasized the importance of equitable distribution of technological benefits. He called for significant investments in education and skills development to prepare Africa’s youth for the digital economy.

Addressing the climate crisis, Mr. Sheriff identified Africa’s vast renewable energy resources as a critical opportunity for sustainable development. He encouraged the continent to utilize these resources to build a greener, more resilient future, highlighting renewable energy as a key to Africa’s sustainable development strategy.

Mr. Sheriff underscored the significance of solidarity and cooperation among African nations. He urged active engagement in international forums to ensure Africa’s voice is heard in global governance. He highlighted the African Union’s Agenda 2063 as a transformative roadmap that outlines a strategic framework for the continent’s socio-economic development.

Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s progress, Mr. Sheriff commended President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership in advancing democracy and economic integration. He noted Sierra Leone’s strides in democratic governance and economic reforms, positioning the nation as a beacon of progress and stability on the continent.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Sheriff reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to actively shaping the global narrative. He called for innovation, sustainability, and unity to drive the continent forward, emphasizing that Africa’s active participation in global governance is crucial for building a better future for both Africa and the world. 

Ishaqa S. Jalloh

Ishaqajalloh@sierraleonews.com

+23278799279