Prof. Jeffrey Sachs Engages with Africa Group Ambassadors to the UN on Key Development Issues
This press release was originally published on the African Union website.
Prof. Jeffrey D. Sachs, President of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and a prominent advocate for sustainable development, recently held crucial discussions with the Africa Group constituted of Representatives of African States to the UN. The meeting took place on June 2nd, 2026, at the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union (AU) to the UN, in New York, in the presence of H.E Amb. Mohamed Fathi Edrees.
Discussion centered around critical topics concerning Africa’s economic transformation, green industrialization, development partnerships, and the multilateral landscape among others.
The meeting emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach to address Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities within the global geopolitical landscape, exploring strategies for enhancing economic growth, addressing poverty, and fostering sustainable development across the continent.
Prof. Sachs reiterated the urgent need for Africa to pursue economic transformation through innovative strategies that harness the continent’s abundant resources. He discussed the importance of diversifying economies and investing in sectors such as technology, agriculture, and renewable energy.
The briefing highlighted the potential for green industrialization in Africa as a pathway to sustainable growth. Prof. Sachs outlined strategies for transitioning to a low-carbon economy, focusing on sustainable practices that can stimulate job creation and enhance resilience against climate change. He further stressed the importance of forging strong development partnerships among African nations, as well as with international stakeholders. “Collaborative efforts are essential for sharing knowledge, technology, and resources that can drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. Noted the Professor.
The discussion also covered the complexities of the current multilateral landscape as Prof. Sachs and the Ambassadors examined the role of the multilateral system in promoting stability and cooperation among nations. They exchanged views on how Africa can leverage this system, advocate its interests and secure equitable representation in global decision-making, underscoring the need for African nations to actively engage in global forums to advocate for policies that prioritize development in the continent.
The interactive exchanges addressed pressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change, stressing the need for investment in education and innovation as key drivers of economic transformation while prioritizing initiatives that equip the youth with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.
The briefing also highlighted the current geopolitical challenges and the potential risks and opportunities they present for Africa. Strategies were discussed to navigate these complexities, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration among African nations. The issue of reviewing the UN Charter to better reflect the realities of the 21st century was equally discussed and how Africa can strategically position itself to ensure that its voice and concerns are adequately represented in the revised version of the Charter.
According to Prof. Sachs, by embracing economic transformation and green industrialization, and by fostering robust development partnerships, Africa can position itself as a leader in sustainable development on the global stage. This dialogue, he said, is a critical step in ensuring that Africa not only navigates the challenges it faces but also capitalizes on the opportunities that arise from the evolving global landscape”.
The meeting concluded with a commitment among participants to continue the dialogue and work collaboratively towards actionable strategies that will elevate Africa’s position within the global community.
