APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) The newly appointed executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Claver Gatete has called for building a new social contract to ensure sustainable development on the African continent.
“A new social contract that will boost fair and equal opportunities for citizens is a must to accelerate sustainable development in Africa,” a UNECA statement issued on Friday quoted Gatete as saying.
Gatete made the remarks during a recent meeting of experts and policymakers in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, which was held under the theme “Building New Social Contracts in Africa: Choices to fulfill Developmental Aspirations.”
“Governments must increase their commitment to forging new social contracts that ensure equal rights and opportunities for all while integrating employment, sustainable development, and social protection,” said Gatete.
Gatete said building a new social contract for Africa’s future requires a focus on the levers for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
High-quality education and lifelong learning can serve as catalysts in advancing multiple goals, he said, noting that the effectiveness of education in building new social contracts depends on affordability, accessibility, and applicability, which can make education policies more efficient, equitable, and inclusive.
“Education can be made more affordable by providing subsidies and cash transfers that can alleviate the financial burden on the poor,” said Gatete, emphasizing that education programs can be redesigned to improve quality, strengthen institutional credibility, and align education with employable skills.
While underlining that the future of Africa will be significantly influenced by climate change, demographic shifts, rapid urbanization, and digital transformation, the UNECA chief said how these are managed will determine if these trends are beneficial or detrimental to the continent.
MG/as/APA